





ISTORY 



STONEHAM, MASS 



WILLIAM B. STEVENS 




aass_E_!7.t 



Hook . S^SSB 



HISTORY 



STONEHAM, 



Massachusetts. 



/.'r WILLIAM I'. STE\-EXS. LS()., 



Biographical Sketches 



OF MANY OF Fl'S 



PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN, 



Compiled under the Supervision of F. L Whittier. 



ILLUSTRATED 



STOXF.llA.M. .MASS. : 

F. L. L^ W. K. WHll riKl^J, 
1 89 1 . 






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PREFACE, 



Fkom time immemorial the citizens of Stoneham have shown a desire 
to know and possess sometliing concerning the history of the town in which 
they live, and biogrcfphies and reminiscences of its pioneers and prominent 
men, both living and dead, and to supply the growing needs of tlie da\', tlie 
publishers present this somewhat brief but comprehensive volume. For the 
history of tlie town we are deeply indebted to our fellow-townsman and his- 
torian, William 1j. Stevens, Esq., and in presenting it to the public we feel 
assured of its authenticity. The biographies and reminiscences of our pion- 
eers and prominent men, here contained, have been prepared with great care, 
and no expense has been spared to give our patrons a genuine statement of 
what Stoneham was and wliat she is today. To increase the u.sefulness and 
attractiveness of the work, many portraits and views have been introduced. 
This volume is commended to the favorable regard of the public. 

— F. L. & W. E. Whittikk. 
STOXEH.A.M, March i. 1891. 



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STONEHAM. • 



]'.\ WILLI. \.AI 11. STL\1':.\.S. 

l/RL\(; the year 1620 if a wliite man could have stoo.i upon the sum- 
mit of iJear Hill a grand and lovely view would have stretched out 
before him. Turning his tace to the east, he would have beheld the 
rays of the sun gleaming along the waves of the Atlantic. With his back to 
the ocean, the murky lines of Wachusett and ^Mt. Alonadnock would have 
traced their forms on the western horizon. 'I'hree or four miles to the south, 
upon the shores of the Mystic, he would bave seen the late habitation ot 
Nanepashemit. chief of the Pawtuckets. Beyond the Charles was Shawmut 
and the dominion of the Mas.sachusetts. At his feet he might have noticed 
an Agawome or a Xaamkeek i)addling his canoe over the i)icturesc|ue waters 
of Spot Pond. On the plains to thp north he migkt perchance have dis- 
covered fields of Indian corn breaking the sweej) of continuous forest, and 
detected here and there smoke rising over the fields and above the wigwams, 
but he could have discerned no trace of ci\ili/ed halntation. Captain John 
Smith and a few na\igators had sailed along the eastern shores of Massachu- 
setts, but no explorer had penetrated so far into the interior. Througli the 
primeval wilderness was seen only the track of the savage. The histor\' ot 
all the past was buried in oblivion, and vet for ages these hills and valleys 
had lieen peopled bv a race so [)rimitive and barbarous that the\' have lett 
liehind them harcd\ a trace of their existence. As the iilough turns up the 
earth, the farmer occasionally discovers the head of a spear or an arrow- 
head. Sometimes the rudest kind of a stone implement is found, and just 
beyond the eastern limits of the town, in Melrose, extensive heaps of arrow 
chips constitute about the only memorial in the immediate neighborhood lett 
behind them bv the warlike abori"ines. 



lO IIISTOKV OF STOXEIIAM. 

Prior to 1632 there is no evidence that any portion of Stoneliani had been 
visited by a European, l)ut on February 7th of that year the following record 
of a v.sit by (iovernor Winthroj) has Iieen j)reserve(l : 

THE RECORD. 

"The Governor, Mr. Nowcll, Mr. Elliott and oth-rs want over .Mystic River, at .VIedford, 
and going- North and East among the rocks abont two or three miles, they came to a very great 
pond, having in the midst some Islands of about one acre, and very thick with trees of pine 
and birch, and diver.s small rocks standing up in it, which they therefore called Spot Pond. 
They went all abont it upon the ice, from thence towards the Northwest about one-half mile, 
they came to the top ot a vtM-y high rock, beneath which, towards the North, a goodly plain 
partly open land and partly woods, from which there is a fair prospect, but it being then close 
and rainy, they could see but a small distance. The place they called Cheese Rock, because 
when llu-y went to eat somewhat they had only cheese, because of the Governor's man lorget- 
ting for haste to put up some Iiread." 

This must have been the north part of Bear Hill. Very generally the 
early towns of Massachusetts were of \ery large territorial e.xtent. The 
o "igmal settlement often served as a nucleus from which radiated other set- 
t.ements, the inhabitants spreading out through the wilderness, forming sep- 
arate communities, and gradually organizing into independent towns. These 
communities, in many instances, were separated from each other by long dis- 
tances, with no means of communication between them but bv an Indian 
trail or the rude path of the forest. This was true of Charlestown, which, 
within a few years after its settlement, included Woburn. Maiden, Stoneham, 
Burlington, Somerville and Melrose, a large part of Medford, and a small 
part of Cambridge. Arlington and Reading. Woburn, including Burlington, 
was incorporated in 1642: Maiden, including Melrose, in 1649, and Stone- 
l",am in 1725. Charlestown was settled in 1629 and '30, so for almost a cen- 
tury .^he tniLiaccd within her limits the territory comprised within this town. 
The early settlement of Charlestown having been made between the mouths 
of the Charles and the Mystic, it soon became a matter of great importance 
to txtcnd the boundaries and fi.x the limits, which was done by negotiations 
with lb,e Indians, and by grant from the General Court. July 2, 1633, the 
Cfant t;ranltd "Mistick Side" to Charlestown, ordering that "the ground ly- 
ing betwixt the North (Maiden) River, and the creek on the north side of 
Mr. Maverick's and up into the countrv, shall belong to the inhabitants of 
Charlestown."" But this grant does not say how far up into the country the 
limits of the town shall extend, and so on March 3, 1636, another order was 
more definite: "Ordered that Charlestown bounds shall run eight miles into 
the country from their meeting-house, if not other bounds intersect, reserv- 
ing the propriety of farms granted to John Winthrop, Tscj., Mr. Nowell. Mr. 
Cradoek and Mr. Wilson, to the owners thereof, as also free ingress and 
egress to the servants and cattle of the said gentlemen, and common for their 
cattle on the back side of Mi. Cradock"s farm." .May 13, 1640. on petition 
of the town, an additional grant was made "of two miles at their head line, 
provided it fall not within the bounds of Lynn X'illage (Reading), and that 



HISTORY OF STONF.HAM. II 

they build within two vears." So it appears that as early as 1640 all the 
territory afterwards embraced witiiin the limits of Stoneham formed part of 
Charlestown, althouiiii it contained at tiiis time not a single white inhabitant. 
In 1653 an order was passed by the selectmen '-that no inhabitant of the 
town or any other lown shall under any pretence whatever fell or cut down 
any trees upon the Common without the neck, or the Common beyond Mis- 
tick Pond within Charlestown Ixnuids, or the Common on Mistick.side be- 
longing- to Charlestown. wiiliout hrst acquainting the selectmen therewith, 
upon the forfeit of what the selectmen shall see meet, who are to judge ac- 
cording as ihey are to conceive of the offence." 

THE I3IVISION. 

Prior to 165S all the territory at .Mistick side at'terwards comprised within 
the bounds of Stoneham was owned I)V the inhabitants of Charlestown in 
their corporate cap;!citv; but this year it was divided among them in sever- 
a'ty. A committee had been appointed to make the division, and on the 
13th ot February, 1657, thev made the following report: 

The leturne made by thcst/ bicthicn tliat were deputed by the inhabitantsof Charlestowne for 
the prnpmindinjj ot a way lor dividiiiu: llitirtcwn's laud on Mistic .Syde into Commonage, as 
alsoe, tlie dividing of tlie wood and tvnjlier lliat eacli inhabitant may have in his projiortion. 
After some debate spent, and tvme in the consideration liereoff, all the committee imanimously 
concurring (herein doe pre?ent this as their advice unlo the sayd town. Imprimis; that every 
head rated in the < untry rate be vallewed at twenty pounds. 2. That all women, children and 
servants that are not rated in the cuntry r;ae in ief;au'.s i{ tluir heads, that eveiy two ot them 
lie vallewed at the like proportion, that is to fay at twenty pounds. 3 That every ;£ioo estate 
brought in to be rated to defraye cuntry charf;es, thin tb.at to have the like proportion, tha' is 
to say five tyines as much as he that is onlv ratable lor his head, and ten tymes soe much as 
w'here there is onely wonicii and ihildrm; that i^ to say, ten of them to X'oo estate; and soe 
where there is not ;£ico lattd yet what |'ait of a hundred pounds tliat is rated, then thatto have 
its propcntions as aforesayd, and soe where there is but one woman, childe or servant, they to 
have their propcn-tion as being lalfehead-. 4. Ffor the division of the wood and tymber we 
conceave the whole to be divided into ten cquall parts, :;nd the divisions to run from Mistik 
bounds to Hedding bounds the longest wav. 5. That the whole according to the proportions 
above sayd be cast up as supposing them a thousand jiarts, that tlien every hundred of these be 
comprised under each equal part ot the ten parts, the first division to be made by survayors 
chosen out by the whole towne, the latter to be made by those whose lot shall fall 10 be to 
gether in anv one of the ten j-aits. 6. '1 hat because some inhabitants in this towne are ratable 
and vet not rated bv means of bearing some publick office; and being freed by Court order; as 
these alsoe that are troopers anel soe exempted bv their heads in poynt ot cuntry rates, as alsoe 
>ome by- means of povertv; yet all these to lia\c tb.eir ])ioportion in this devision, they that 
have estate for them tn have a i>rop' vtion accordingly, and those that have no estates yetl those 
of years to he vallewed at twenty pounds. And those that are women and children and ser- 
vants that thev be va lewed as aforesayd, that is two to twenty pounds. 

"Thomas Brattle in behalf of the rest." 

The division was finally made on the ist of .March. 1658. under the fol- 
lowing agreeiiient : 

"CiiAKl-iowNii. thefii!-n of March, or the first nioneth 1657-165S. 
"i. It is Agreed that the first head line shall be Meeltorel K arme, that line between them 
and our Towne, And all other hi ad lines to run I'arralell with that line fiuire score poole 
asunder. 



12 III.VIOXV OF .ST()Xi:il.\.M. 

"-'. Tliu first Lott, ilistinmiisluil !iv tli ■ tiyurc one, shall bcjjin at the soullicasl corner 
where Mr. Nowell's Karnie ami Aleadiord lanne meet, And so successively according to ti e 
figures I, 2,3, 4, &c., is to the end of the last figure or lott. And at the end of the first Range 
to turnp hack againe in the second Kange. Aud so to the third, &c , successively till each man 
have ha fe his proportion, for the first. And then the first to begin asain, 1.2,3,4, &c., and suc- 
cessively each number to take place, in the second division, as in the first, till every man have 
liis oilier hallc of his I.olt. 

"3. It is Agreed that the Ponds shall not be measured. 

"4. It is Agreed that he that Tarrys not in the Towne as an inhabitant for one year next en- 
suing the dale hereoff, upon his going out of the Towne sliall lose his whole Propertie, both 
off wood and common. 

"5. It is further Agreed, that no man shall sell his wood or commons but to the Inhabitants 
of Char etowne, upon forfeiture of twelve pence, p. load of eyther wood or '1 ymber; And not 
to dispose of the commons to any of any otherTowne, upon forfeitur.' of the same, And if any 
remove to inliabite in any otherTowne, shall make no use of their commons, but shall sell it 
or lett it to some of the Towne of Charletowne, that the commons may be reserved for ever to 
the use of tlie Inhabitants of Charletowne. 

'"6. It is /\ greed that each shall pav for the laying out of his wood lott within one month 
after it is layd out, upon forfeiture of his wood aiul comiiion. And the selectmen of (,'bark-- 
towne shall hereby have power to sell it to pa}- the survayoiir. 

"This was Agreed unto by vote of the inhabitants of Cliarlelowne at a meeting in the meet- 
ing-hous, this first of March 1057-1638 and ordered to be Kecorded in the Towne Booke." 

It appears by the foregoing" order that, commeticing at what was then the 
line of Medford Farm, about one mile and a fourth south of the present 
Stoneham boundary, range lines were run in an easteily and westerly direc- 
tion a quarter of a mile apart, there being two divisions, and seven and a 
half ranges in each division. These ranges extended north to near where 
Captain Rufus Richardson's Lane, so called, connects with Main Street. The 
territory north of this and westerlv of High Street was retained by the town 
in its corporate capacit\', and constituted what was afterwards known as the 
Charlestown Farms. There was also excepted from this allotment Spot Pond 
Meadows. Nearly all the long stretches of wall running easterly and westerly 
mark these ancient range lines. The land was drawn by lot and set otf to 
the several inhabitants in proportion as they were rated, one-half of the share 
of eacit lying in the first di\ision, and one-half in the second division, prob- 
ably for the purpose of ecjualizing, so far as possible, the value of the land. 
This allotment is of great interest, because it lies at the foundation of nearly 
all our titles, which can jje traced back directl}' to it, where the deeds have 
been recorded. Could one go back to the year 1658, and accompany a sur- 
veyor of that time, as lie came up from the Market Place (now Charlestown 
Square) with compass and chain in Mistick side, he would leave the road near 
the ri\er and strike into the [jrimeval forest by a trail oi" possibly a path over 
which had been hauled timber and cedar iVom the swamp near Spot Pond. 
No bi"eak or clearing would meet his eye, except reaches of water and meado\\', 
till his ai rival at Doleful Plain, where part of the land was open and had been 
used, as we suppose, for fields of Indian corn. He would rt>am through an 
almost trackless wilderness and could probably discover no human habitaticMi 



14 lilsTOKV Or STONEHA.M. 

unless possiblv a tew Ii.clian locb^us. Xo public load had per.etra;ed the 
recesses of the forest, and there was hardly a landmark to indicate the 
presence of civilized nnin. A few )ears prior to this tiuK-, in 1642, Charles- 
town \'illa,ue. incorporated as VVohurn, had been settled three miles to the 
west of us, ami three years earlier. 1639, just over the line to our east, Lynn 
Village (afterwarc'.s Redding) had Lccn planted. There were tbrest paths 
connecting these two settlements, by means of which the adjacent colonists 
visited their neighboi's, but no highway was built for many years subseciuent. 
The chain-l)earer, the blazed lines and the allotment of 165S paved the way 
for the earl\- settlement of what u'as afterwards known as Charlestown End. 

There was an inclividu..! proprietorship in the land which stimulated its 
occupancy and improvement. The tirst settlers seem to have been attracted 
to the northeast part of the town, probably on account of its nearness to 
Reading (now Wakefield). It was many miles to the meeting-house in 
Charlestown, and but a short distance to the meeting-house in Reading: and 
then our ancestors in this section of the town could derive all the advantages 
and protection to be obtained fron\ the neighborhood of an established com- 
munity. In case of an Indian raid they could flee to the block-house of 
their neighbors. There was no organized moxement and general settlement, 
as in most of the New England towns. The axe of the solitary pioneer first 
rung out and broke the stillness of a hundred centuries. Little clearings 
were made here and there and the first tarms started. The first toilers were 
hardy men. with an education insutificient in some cases even to write their 
own names. The foundations of Stoneham were laid, not by men of culture 
and wealth, but by the brawn and courage of laljorious yoemen. It is im- 
possible to state with absolute certaint}' the name of the earliest inlialjitant 
or the exact year of his settlement. I>ut in .March. 1678, the inhabitants were 
Thomas C^,ery, John Ciould, Sr., John (iould, Jr.. William Rogers. Thomas 
Cutler and .Matthew .Smith. These were the fathers of the town. Lut little 
is known of them. The monuments which survived them were the fields 
they cleared, the walls they built and the families they reared. The records 
have saved a little and tradition something more. Thomas Gery. probably 
of Irish ancestry, was born about 1638, is supposed for a time to have lived 
in Reading, where he owned land,' and in 1668 or 1669 moved to Charlestown 
End. He made a clearing and built a house or cabin just beyond the 
northern slope of Farm Hill, on or near the present High Street, and had his 
home there during King Miilip's War. In 1668 he was complained of for 
cutting an acre of grass in the meadow of Charlestown. He was at the .same 
time a cunning and a courageous man. It is said that on a certain occasion, 
having risen early in the morning, his attention was attracted by the sus- 
picious movements of an Indian 'lying concealed behind a log, and having 
reason to believe that he was lying in wait U r him, and not caring himself to 
unnectssaiilv expose his person, he extended through the partly open door 



IIISTOKV OF STONKHAM. [- 

his coat and hat in such a manner as to draw the arrow of tiic unwarv savairc. 
and the next instant the l)all liad whizzed from his unerring musl<et witli fatal 
etiect. Fearing; tlie vengeance of the tribe should tliey discover tlie dead 
body, he buried it in liis own cellar. On another occasion, as the storv goes, 
he had been away from home one winter's day cutting wood, and on his 
return, just after dark, stopped at the house of his neighbor, Thomas Cutler . 
Mr. Cutler invited him to remain and spend the night, urging upon him the 
danger of his proceeding, as a pack of wolves had been heard in the neigh- 
borhood. iMr. (jery, thinking of his family and their anxiety should he stay 
away, declined the invitation, and shouldering bis axe, started on. He had 
proceeded l)ut a short distance before he was greeted bv the howls of the 
wild beasts. On they came, we can imagine with gleaming eyes and lolling 
tongues, thirsting for human blood. A weak man. a cowardlv man might 
well have been demoralized and lost; not so the hardy woodsman. Hacking 
himself against a tree and swinging his axe to the right and left, he soon 
cleared a space and drove away the brutes. The next morning, on returning 
to the spot, he found the carcasses of four dead wolves. By familv tradition 
it has been handed down that this man died as a soldier in 1690, when 
returning home from Canada in the expedition of Sir William Phipps. From 
then till now his name has been borne by numerous descendants, many of 
whom have been among the chief men of the town of which he was one of 
the first settlers. 

Of tl-.e colony of 1678 the oldest inhabitant was John Could, Sr.. and very 
probably he was the tirst pioneer who established himself at Charlestown 
End. At this time he was sixty-eight years of age, and came here some time 
prior to 1668. He was an extensive land-holder, and his farm was in the 
extreme northeastern section of the town, most of it being embraced in what 
is now Wakelield, and, including the land of his son John, extended as far 
west as land of Thomas Cutler (now of Mrs. Doyle). He is supposed to 
have come from Towcester, in NorthamptonsJiire. and to have emljarked for 
America in the "Defence," from London, July 7, 1635. Originally he was 
described as a carpenter, and later in life as a planter. It would seem that 
he was one of the most substantial men of the town, for in the allotment of 
1658 there were only nineteen who were rated as high or higher than he, 
while there were one hundred and eighty-two rateel lower. For man_\' years 
he lived in Charlestown before he moved to the north end of the town. He 
joined the church in 1638, but later in life seems to have been subjected to 
church discipline, probably because he lived so remote from the liouse of 
public worship. Under date of April 28, 1667. we find the clnuxh records 
contain the following : 

"The acknowledgment and confession of Brollicr Jolin Gould, wlio hiid licen formerly ad- 
monished in order to his acceptance lo Conun union a^ain, vizt. God Iiath helped me to see 
inanv things wheiein I have formerly given oflence to his people both of this church and of 
Redding, !or w huh 1 have been admonished and 1 do not nor would justify myself therein but 




%:j 




\yr^; 



HISTOKV OF STONEHAM. I7 

rather 1 doe ju.--tify tlie lIuhlIi -ii tlieir procecciing' with 111c looking it to have been the tlnty of 
the church to deal witli nie for what was oflensivc. CJod has done nie much good thereby and I 
desire that the Cliurch would forgive me and accept of ni:: to tlieir communion wliich formerly 
before m admonition I did enjoy. This was read to the brethren libiTty given to them who 
had ^vnything of weight to object but none did object against it bu' it was accepted of as satis- 
factory. He was (the brethren consenting) received to that state of communion which he had 
belore his admonition and liy the sentence of the church declared to be restored." 

On the 25th of .September of the same year: 

"John Gould api)earing before the select men being demanded whether he would pav any- 
tliing to the maintaining!: of ordinances for the time past answered jilainlv that he was not 
willing to pay anything for llie time past." 

THE .MILIT.-VRV .SEKV1(-E 

in the early clays must have been very exacting, for it appears that he was 
e.xcused from training in 16S2, when he was seventy-three years old. He 
conveyed his house and about ninety acres of land to his son Daniel in 1687, 
and this farm remained in the family of Daniel Could till a few years since, 
when it was owned by the late Dr. Daniel Gould, of Maiden, wlio was the 
son ot Daniel Gould, Esquire, or '-Square Gould" as he was called. The 
name Daniel seems to ha\e been attached to the land for two hundred vears, 
having descended from father to son. In 1690 John Gould conveyed to his 
grandson Thomas a tract of land l)Ounded on the east by Smith's Pond. 
Dying in i6gi , he left a numerous offspring. This familv for one hundred 
and fifty years was perhaps the most inriuential one of the town. The names 
of Deacon Daniel Gould. Lieutenant Daniel Gould, Caj^tain Abraham (Jould, 
Square Gould and Colonel J. Parjer Gould, from generation to generation, 
have represented men of the best type that Stoneham has ever produced. 
The name has almost disappeared from our midst, but in the female line the 
blood ot old John (iould still circulates amongst us in many households. 
Ne.xt westerl)- or southwesterly from his father, was the house and farm of 
John (iould, Junior, who probajjly lived on the west side of the old road to 
Waketield. 

Adjoining the land of John Gould, Junior, and westerly therefrom, the 
clearing of Thomas Cutler would next liave appeared. Thomas Cutler lived 
on what was afterwards known as the "old poor farm," which remained in 
the family till the death of the widow Elizabeth Cutler in 1825. after which 
it was sold to the town, no male representative remaining here who bore the 
name. Thomas Cutler must ha\e had an e}e for l>eautiful and extensive 
scenery, his home commanding incomparably the finest view of anv among 
the tirst inhabitants. He died in 1683, at the age of forty-eight. 

Al)out one-third or one-half mile southwesterly from the house of John 
Gould. Senior, lived William Rogers, who occupied (he farm latelv owned bv 
Captain Buck. In 1669 he married Abigail, the daughter of Mr. Gould, and 
at that time was a resident here. His house probably stood on or near the 
.spot where .Mr. Carrier now resides. But little is known of him. He died 



I 8 HISTORY OK STONEHAM. 

prior to 1688, for on February 7th of tliat year liis widow married John 
Rogers of Billerica. He was succeeded by his son William. John Cutler 
conveyed to him in 1690 twelve and one-half acres, "reserving highway two 
poles wide for use of the town." The son remained here till 1728, when he 
sold his farm of thirty acres to Deacon Daniel Gould, and from that time 
nothing is known of the family. They made no lasting impression upon the 
town and none of their descendants appear to have remained. 

The last one of the first inhabitants whose shades we invoke is Matthew 
Smith. In the early history of Charlestown there were three generations of 
Matthew Smith, and it is not quite certain whether it was Matthew first or 
second who planted himself at Charlestown End. In 1678 Matthew resided 
here, and ten years later Matthew Smith, Senior and Junior, were residents. 
It would rather seem t' at the first one of the name remained in the old town, 
although it is l.)v no means certain, and probably was the same one who em- 
barked at Sandwich, County Kent, with wife Jane and four children in 1635. 
He was a shoemaker ; inhabitant 1637: with son Matthew, herdsman, 1649 
and 1655; town crier, 1657: aged about seventy-two in 1682. He was 
town messenger at thirty shillings a year in 1637. In the division of 1658 
he was allotted eleven acres, five and one-half in the second division, which 
probably included the land where D. H. Tilton now resides. One of the 
name, either the father or son, died in 1690, who had married, about 1684, 
Mary Cutler, probably the widow of Thomas Cutler. He must have been a 
man of some substance, for in his inventory are found two oxen, one horse, 
four cows, three yearlings, nine sheep and four swine, and he carried on a 
farm which he leased of Charlestown, This farm is described as bounded 
on the north and east by Thomas Gery, and on the south and west by the 
town, consisting of forty acres, "with as much meadow as he can get out ot 
Parley's swamp, and out of town land nigh Redding, not exceeding twenty- 
five acres for twenty-five years ; rent after twelve years, four pounds per 
annum ; he to plant and Ijuild a house eighteen by twenty-two, and barn, la 
be left the town." The house in which he lived stood on the north side of 
North street, near where Mr. Pierce now resides, or possibly it was the house 
of the late Deacon Dunlap. This completes the list of the first settlers. 

It requires but little stretch of the imagination to go back two hundred 
years, recall to life our early forefathers, look in upon them as they lived in 
their first rude cabins made of logs, and behold the fields which they cleared 
amidst the forest, the corn and grain just starting up between the charied 
and blackened stumps. In ihose days the streams were dammed by beavers, 
the sheep were a prey to wobes. the bear roamed through the woods, and 
now and then the hunter brought down a deer. During these years our pious 
ancestors, not numerous enough to support a minister themselves, traveled 
on Sunday to the meeting-house in Reading. Their habits were simple and 
their wants were few. It was a hard contest with a riuorous climate and a 



HISTOKV OF STONEHAM. I9 

l)arrcii soil tor tlic I)are necessaries of existence, but it produced a strong and 
manly character. The)- may have been rough, and uncouth, and uneducated, 
but they possessed the best traits of English yeomanry. Some of the 
aborigines lingered about their old haunts. The Indian wars and the wild 
beasts made them familiar with the use of firearms. In 1675 Jo'i'^ Could 
and Thomas C.ery were troopers in Captain Hutchinson's company, and were 
impressed as soldiers from the "Three County Troopers," and served in King 
Philil)"s War. There were liquor laws in those days as well as now. In 
1682 "John Ciould appears before the Court, and convicted of selling strong 
licjuors to the Indians is fined ten shillings money and pay the costs."' The 
means of communication was at first by forest paths and private ways from 
farm to farm. No public highway existed till about 1685, when one was 
laid out from Reading to Woburn as follows: "Beginning at ye Country 
road near Sergt. Parker's house and so along by the meadow, called Hoop- 
pers Meddow, and by the foot of ye hill, which is above ye leest of three 
ponds, from thence to the way marked out by Sergt. Parker, throwe Charles- 
town land to Woburn River, neer John Richardson's house."' Another high- 
way was also laid out the same year from Reading to Charlestown (now 
Stoneham). These two roads were the old road over Farm Hill and the 
present North Street, or possibly one of them was Creen Street. The latter 
road, beginning at the easterly foot of Cowdrey's Hill, came in a southwest- 
erly direction by the houses of the Goulds, passed William Rogers, near the 
end of Thomas Cutler's land, and so on to Charlestown, a more particular 
description of which will oe given hereafter. The road over Farm Hill ac- 
commodated Thomas Cery, and the road from Reading to Woburn (North 
Street), Matthew Smith. Tradition says there was an old road over the 
southeast corner of Bear Hill, and so on to Spring Pasture in Medford. "In 
1673 «i large trade was carried on in cedar posts, shingles and clapboards. 
The select men granted many of the inhabitants permission to cut the trees 
in Cedar Swamp near Spot Pond, and John Mousal was charged with the 
duty of inspecting the number and bigne.ss of the trees cut down." There 
were but few additions to the inhabitants for many years. In i68S Thomas 
Cutler had died, and was succeeded by his son Thomas. Daniel Could, th e 
son of John, had come of age, and Samuel Cowdrey, Michael Smith and 
Andrew Philips were added to the settlement of 1678. The history of the 
town during these years is little more than the bare mention of the names of 
the people who lived here, and the location of their farms. Measured by the 
progress and attainments of the nineteenth century, their lives must have 
been barren indeed. The tomahawk and war-whoop of the red man at ti mes 
varied the monotony of their existence, but the great and vital questi on 
which, more than any other, seems to have absorbed the attention of our 
ancestors was religion. About the most important business which came be- 
fore the town was tlie building of the meeting-h(nise. and the support of the 



HIS'K KV or .'-'KM i;/,."\i. 



minister. Alt jiuliii^ church :;s tliey did nt R.adin.i;, it wa.s a .source i f griev- 
ance to th.- ]K<)i)Ie of tiiat town tliat tiiey siiould tontril utc r-otiiing towards 
the support of ilie (iospel. I)cini; taxed as tliey were in Chr.rleslown, and so 
the following- petition was preser.ted to tlie General Court ; 

"Tlic humble piitisi m oftlu- iiih;ihil;uits of the towneof Keddinij, Ilunilily Slio\ve;Ii— That 
whereas our case, lieiug as your psussiners huinhly coiiseive, soe sircumstaneetl, as wee Know 
not the liki! in all Kespjcts— and not Knowing: which waye to helpe ourselves — liut Hy humbly 
acquainting yor hon.iers with oar St itj you.- hiinifs b jei.i .f tli ; i-'ath^rs of the Common- 
wealtli t ) which wjj doe bjloug-i;— aal yor paiisjinsrs h uiibly hopiiir that yor honners will 
hcipe sot; far as m iv bje t3 tlia Keli,:\-i.i^- ot u^ in our case; -It being- soj with us that wee are 
but a i)(>ore place, very lew above sixtv tamilies, Abell to \y.iy to the .Ministry, and sevcrall ot them 
have more need to Receive than to paye, it we were a place ot" ability as many others bee; and 
to us there is Adjacent f.irmjrs, whicli b.;e co.isiant hearjrs of thj word, with us, which oei 
not at all to their owne towne. Hut transiently as others doe; Neither came they one the Sab 
bath diiye batt bee bre ikers of thj f^aw.: of go.l and of tins com.uonwe^lth as we conseive. 
And to many of them ill would bj s le i itrjieiable a barlhin, that in.iny ef them must necessa- 
rily refraine from the public worsliip of god, established amongst us, lor prevention ot wliich 
they doe heare with us, which seems to be very h.ird for us to maintayne Ministry and Meeting 
house conveniently tor llieni, and others to force them to pay their hole liales to their one lownes , 
as others do; or if some of them bee llettcr-ininded, their bisenes lyelh so att tlie present tliat 
wee have nothing from them all or nexl to nothing. 

"Another tiling tlial your humble pelisioners desire to declare to vour honners is ihatt wee 
have not now roume enough in our .Meeting-hon>c tor ourselves, but thj .Vdjasent f.irm.;rs be- 
ing one third or very neare one tliird as much as wes, we inuste build anew betorc it be l^ongc, 
for the house will lie too little for theni and us, wliicli we hope your lionners will consider Ii:nv 
the case is like to bee with us, if nolliing bee considered. JJntt as wee i ope itt is the wave, that 
god u^ould have us to tal<e to leave tlie case to your honners, we desire humbcy soe to doe, and 
([uie'ly to resle to this honoured Courte's good pleasiue as to what hath tieen dectaretl. 

"And shall ever pray— In the name it by the ccmsent of the resie of the inhabitants ot (he 
towne. Win. Cowdrey, Kobery Buniap.Jona. Poole, Thomas Parker, J remy .">waine. 

Wlien suljscriptions were raised for the purpose ot'buildiiiga njw in^'etin;;- 
h.oitse in Reading in 1688 tlie following subscriptions were raised t'roni per- 
sons living at Chaiiestown End and the list substantial!}' comprises those liv- 
ing here at that tiir.e. 

£ s. a. 

John Gould ; iS 4 

Daniel Gould 3 o o 

Thomas Ij ery 3 o o 

Matth- w Smith Sen .' o 10 o 

Matthew Smith J un 2 10 o 

Michael Smith o 10 o 

Thomas Cutler 1 o o 

.Samuel Ciiwdiey 1 o o 

Andrew Philiiis 1 o o 

Samuel Cowdrey came tVom Reading, and probabl\" lived not far from 
where Mr. Tilton now resides. Michael Smith was advanced in years, and 
his daughter Sarah was the wife of Andrew I'hilips. Domestic infelicities 
existed then as well as now. ".At a Court held at Charlestown. June 17, 
1679, Michael Smith and wife, of Charlestown. for disorderly living apart 
fifom one another were admonished and to pay the costs of Court." .Andrew 
Philips settled here somewhere about 1686. living, perhaps, at first in the 



22 HISTORY OF STONKHAM. 

easterly part of the town near the house of Mr. Outram, but at the time of 
his death he resided on Cobble Hill, in a dwelling formerly owned and occu- 
pied, and probably built by Nathaniel Dunton, of Reading. His homestead 
■.vas afterwards conveyed to Rev. James Osgood, the first minister of Stone- 
'lam. All the old residents will remember the parsonage of Parson Osgood. 
!t stood on the corner of Green street, about opposite the house of the late 
.\.euben Locke, and was the best specimen of architectural style among us, 
which antedated the Revolution. 

Prior to the latter part of the seventeenth century the population increased 
very slowlv. The settlers had generally located in the northeasterly part of 
.he town, but after this they spread out in all directions. In 1685 Eleazer 
; Jateman came from Woburn and located in the extreme westerly part of the 
■.own, just north of Marble Street. The old cellar-hole where his house stood 
-.as to ])e seen till within a short time. That p.-.rt of t'.ij town including the 
. 'vel land extending all the way to Summer .Street, was then known as Dole- 
;1 Plain. When Bateman purchased his land in 1685, there was a cellar dug 
. id stoned upon it, and the frame of a house twenty-two by eighteen feet, 
-..hich seems to have been the regulation size that then prevailed. Mr. 
. ateman was a carpenter and owned one or two houses in the neighborhood 
;.;sides the one in which he lived. One of these probably stood a little north 
...' the house where Mrs. Lot Sweetser resides. He lived here till 1713 and 
. .en sold his place to Joseph Underwood. He was a man of so much repute 
\ .It on several occasions he was appointed by the town on a committee to 
I ise the Charlestown Farms. 

[n 1688, Patrick, otherwise called Peter Hay, then described as of Redding, 
< ^ nmenced to buy land at Mystic Side, so called, and afterwards became one 
. ' the largest land owners and most prosperous settlers in the neighborhood. 
1; ly was a Scotchman, lived for awhile at Lynn, (Lynnfield) and removed to 
I i.irlestown End in 1692 or 1693. He must have been a man of great force 
.' character, Ijuying as he did numerous tracts of land, clearing farms and 

cting dwellings. Although his posse.ssions extended in all directions, he 
] iself located in the northerly part of the town, building first a log cabin, 

ich tradition savs stood near the bend of Tremont Street, and afterwards 
*■ '■ house where he lived and died, on or near the spot where Luther White 

• lives. This dwelling was occupied by his descendants till about 1846 or 

7, when it was burned. To his son James, who was a shopkeeper in 

I rlestown, he gave a farm of sixtv-three acres, with house and barn in the 

( - erly part of the town. The house stood on the westerly side of Pleasant 

S r^et, about opposite the residence of Amos Hill, Escj., and was owned by 

■' Hays till it passed out of the family to Thomas Gould in 1799. 

nother son of Patrick Hay, Capt. Peter Hay, who was one of the most 

■ential men in Stoneham of his time, settled near his father, living for a 

',. .. e in the building known a few vears since as the Old Office, and after- 



23 HISTORY OF STONKHAM. 

wards in the Hay 'ravcni, which dcsccncled in turn to Capt. David Hay. For 
generations the race was a thrifty and prolific one, exercising a very large in- 
fluence. A third son. John, a voung man of great promise, died in his 
thirty-first year. Peter Hay was not onlv the owner of houses and land and 
men-servants and maid-servants, but he had a multitude of wives, no less than 
four. He was one of the first selectmen when the town was organized. After 
having lived the life of a patriarch, so far as such a lite was possible in the 
eighteenth century, and in Puritan New England, he died at the age of ninety 
in 1748. 

As Peter Hay owned a large part of the Northern so John X'inton owned a 
large part of the Southern section of Stoneham. He was a weaver, after- 
wards a farmer, born in Maiden about 1678 ; came from Woburn about 1710. 
His house probably stood on a slight elevation which is to be seen between 
the residence of Warren Wilson and South Street. An old house once stood 
on this spot near which has been dug up old pottery and curious relics. This 
was upon his farm and he appears to have been the original settler of the ter- 
ritory, so it would seem that this was probably his residence, though possibly 
he occupied and built the old John Bucknam house which was torn down a 
few years ago. The author of "X'inton MemoriarMocates him as near the 
outlet of Spot Pond, but although he and Stephen Richardson bought the lot 
on which stood the mill in 1715, there is no reason to suppose he lived there 
unless for a short time. The above author says "John Vinton, Escp, was a 
man of great ability, energy and activity, and became a leader in every place 
where his lot was cast." When Stoneham was incorporated the usual order 
from the General Court was addressed to John Vinton as the principal inhab- 
itant, directing him to issue a warrant for the first town-meeting. He ad- 
vanced more money and probably did more than any other man to obtain an 
act of incorporation for the town. 

John Vinton was one of the tirst board of selectmen and served in that 
responsible office si.x years, viz. : 1726, 1727, 1731, 1732, 1734. i735- He 
was commonly called to preside at town-meetings as moderator. He was 
very often employed on public business. He was placed by his townsmen on 
.almost all important committees. At one town-meeting he was placed on 
four committees. One of the first measures of the town was the erection of 
a meeting-house, and Capt. John Vinton was one of the committee of three 
to select a site, procure materials, put up and finish the building. He was 
also one of the committee to employ a minister. He seems in an eminent 
degree to have enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was a rep- 
resentative of the town in the Legislature in 1734. Capt. X'inton paid the 
highest tax of any man in town He was a lieutenant in the train band in 
1720, captain in 1723, a very energetic, enterprising prosperous man. He 
received a commission as Justice of the Peace in 1734. 



lirSTOKV OF STOXEHAM. 25 

In 1736 he sold his tarm of 270 acres to James Allen, of Hoston. tor wliicli 
he received ^2550 and renioxed to Dudley where he died in 1760. Some of 
his descendants remained in Stoneham, and settled in that part of the town 
which has since been annexed to .Melrose. 

Another Iari;e land owner was Timotlu' W'ri^iil who was horn in Woli'arn. 
was originally a carpenter, and came here about 1706, settling in the westerly 
part of the town, his house being located near the corner of Wright and 
Hancock streets. A large portion of the original farm with additions made 
to it by his descendants remained in the family for about 175 years. The 
venerable form of Capt. John 11. Wright is still fresh in the memory of the 
present generation. The possessions of the Wrights embraced most of the 
territory westerl}- from Main and Warren Streets to Woburn line, and from 
Marble Street on the south to the lands of the Hays, nortlierly from .Mont- 
vale Avenue. 

The progenitor of the iJucknams was Edward who came from .Maiden in 
1716, and bought twenty-si.\ acres of Philip Alexander with a house and barn 
which stood near the corner of Warren and Linden Streets, on the easterly 
side of the road. With the usual thrift of the early settlers he made con- 
siderable additions to his original purchase, and died in Stoneham in 1773. 
aged eighty-two years. 

Ne.xt easterly from Edward Bucknam lived Richard liekher. wlio is des- 
cribed of Charlestown as early as 1708, when he bought a house and twenty- 
one acres of land of Joseph Wright. Jr., of Woburn. He very probably 
occupied the old Marston or Ebenezer Bucknam house, on the north side of 
Summer Street. He was a mason, taught school at Charlestown End, and 
died in 1720, leaving a large family of children. 

In 1695, Deacon Nathaniel Lawrence came from Groton, bought seventy- 
one and a half acres of Joseph Lynde, and buUt the house recently torn down 
on the southerly side of Hancock Street, known as the Old Zac C.erry house. 
A lane formerly led from the house to the old road (now Summer Street). 
A brick was taken out of the chimne}- bearing the mark i70cS, from which it 
is possible to fi.x the probalile date of its erection. For those times it must 
have been a roomy and .substantial residence. The character of this building 
as of the Ebenezer Bucknam house, the Old Ofifice, the Jonathan (ireen house 
in Green Lane, and of several otiiers which have disappeared within the past 
fifty years, many of them similar, and built about the same ])eriod. indicate 
the thril't and prosperity of the men who were the founders of Stoneham. 
These ancient relics of the i)ast are gradually fading away, and the time may 
soon come when not a single monument built by human hands will carry us 
back to the days of Charlestown End. Even the nanus of most of those 
who laid the Foundation of the town, have been long forgotten. 

Deacon Lawrence very likely may have built and tirst lived in the house 
which was the home of Deacon Jabez L)nde on the east side of Summer 



.26 



HISTORV OF STO.NKIIA.M. 



Street, and now owned by Miss Sarah A. Lynde. He was past middle life 
when he came here from (n-oton, and died m 1724. He liad ])een a leading 
man in (iroton, was an ensign in the militia, a deacon in the church, and one 
■of the first representatives of that town under the charter of William and 
-Mary in 1693. The next year after his death, his farm was sold by his 
children to Thomas Gearv. 

Another citizen of (ii-oton who settled here was Samuel Holden, who lived 
for a time in AVoburn, and bought a tract of forty-five acres in the westerly 
part of the town south of Marble Street in 1690. The Holdens owned an 
■extensive territory in the southwesterly part of Stoneham, and easterly of 
Bear Hill. It is impossible to say with certainty where Samuel first located, 
but probabl}- on the land which he originally purchased near Marble Street, 
although subsequently some of his descendants lived in two houses westerly 
and southwesterly from the last residence of the late John Bucknam. In an 
ancient paper now in possession of one of the family is the following reference 
to him while in Groton : 

"Samuel Holden, second son to Richard Holden, lived in Groton until the 
Indian War (which probabl\- was the war with Philip, but whether it was or 
not, I shall not determine, the war with Philip, I think) was about the 
year 1675, at which time Mrs. R. was taken captive. 

"The town in the night was beset with Indians; the Indians came to his 
house in the night and broke it open and came in. His wife made her escape 
■out of a door with two small children in her arms and went into a corn-field. 
Mr. Holden stood behind a door with a gun in his hand, intending to kill 
some of them, but it being so dark he could not see them. He also made 
his escape out of the house and went to a garrison house. The Indians, 
after plundering the house, went oflf. Soon after this Samuel Holden moved 
to Stoneham (then Charlestown) for fear of the Indians. He died on or 
about the year 1739, aged eighty-eight years !" As the observant pedestrian 
tramps over the pastures between the Nathan Bucknam house and Bear Hill, 
he notices three depressions in the ground where once stood human habita- 
tions which long since have disappeared. Two of them were occupied by 
Holdens, and the one farthest south by I.saac Howe, who purchased there a 
house and barn and eighty-two acres of land, in 1715. William Richardson, 
the brother-in-law of John Vinton, probably built the house and for a time 
lived in it. Isaac Howe came from Roxbury at the age of fifty-nine or sixty, 
and lived but two or three years after his settlement. He left, however, sev- 
eral sons and a daughter, Naomi, who mairied Joseph Holden. 

To the lover of antiquity, in this new country where there are but few an- 
tiquities, there is nothing more fascinating than roaming through the woods 
and over the fields, placing the old range lines, discovering hercand there an 
ancient cellar-hole, and re-peopling in imagination once more the territory 
with the earlv inhabitants who dwelt here one hundred and fiftv and two 



IIISTORV OF STOXKIIAM. 2/ 

hundfcd years ago. To a ])ers()n familiar with the transfer ot" tiieir lands, the 
dates of their birth, times of their death, the names of the girls they married 
and the ehildren they left, these forefithers of ours s;em like old and near 
friends. 

Going now to the nortlnvestern i)art of the town, north of William Street, 
to the farms of .Micah Williams and ISumner Richardson, let us rebuild again 
the houses of Timothy Haldwin. .Sr , and Timothy Baldwin, jr. Theformer 
came trom Woburn as early as 1705, perhaps earlier, hired of Charlestown 
eighty-si.\ acres, bought land of his own and lived a few rods northeasterly 
from the house of Mr. Williams. Deacon Dean, in his history of .Stoneham, 
tells this story of Baldwin's house, which is a tradition. ••The building for 
a considerable length ot tiuie was supposed to he haunted. A familv lived 
there at that time. At the season of liarvesting a quantity of ]3umpkins 
were carried into the garret ; one evening while the father was absent, and 
the mother with the children and other members of the family sat by the 
fireside, a noise was heard : something appeared to be coming down stairs 
It came stamp, stamp, down the garret stairs ; it then came to the entry 
stairs, which led to a lower door, and with increased force came pound, 
pound, into the entry below. Then the noise ceased. The affrighted family 
waited with great an.xiety for the return ot the husband and father. When 
he returned the news was communicated to him. He repaired to the entry, 
when, on opening the door, a good, lusty pumpkin was reposing on the floor." 
I\Ir. Baldwin was a person of good education for those times, a man of influ- 
ence, and one of the lirst board of selectmen. With John Gould. James 
Hill and Peter Hay he built a grist-mill near Mill Street. Timothy Baldwin, 
Jr., lived west from his father, a few rods northeast of the house of .Sumner 
Richardson. In 17 13 he bought the house and barn and thirty-seven acres 
of land of Andrew Beard ; the latter probably having cleared the land and 
built the house, for we lind Beard buying lots of woodland, which made up 
the farm of the first proprietors or their heirs, as early as 1700. Hannah, the 
widow of Timothy Baldwin, Jr., and her second husband, John \'inton. in 
1763, sell to Oliver Richardson, in whose tamily most of the land has since 
remained. 

During the first century of the town hardly any family exerted a wider in- 
fluence or furnished more leading citizens than the Greens, two or three 
branches of whom located in the easterly and southeasterly parts of the town. 
Henry, or Elder Green, was a weaver ; came from Maiden : commenced to 
purchase land in the latter part of the seventeenth century : is described as 
of Maiden in 1695, and of Charlestown, in 1709. and died here in 1717, 
aged seventy-eight. He was the father of Deacon Daniel Green : probably 
built his house on the north side of East Street, near the spot where Daniel 
G. Sturtevant now lives, who is a lineal descendant, a portion of the j^-operty 



IIISTOKV OF STOXKHAM. 29 

having remained in the fimily for two Inuidred years. His poss2ssions lay 
cliiefly north and soutli of Spring and I'^ast Streets. 

Captain Natiianiel Green was also a resident of Cliarlestown Knd in 17 16, 
but in a few years moved to Liecester. Anotlier one of tiie Greens who 
settled at Green Lane was Jonathan, who came t'njm .^hdden in the early part 
of the eighteenth century. From then till now the old homestead, which is 
said to have been built early in the eighteenth century, has been occupied in 
each generation by a Jonathan (Ireen. The (ireen flirm was very extensive, 
embracing a large portion of the territory from the Melrose line southwest to 
Pond Street. Captain Joiiath m (ireen, son of the first Jonathan, became a 
leading citizen, and filled a large space in our history during his life, but it 
belongs to a later period than the one of which we are now speaking. 

Supposing it now to be the year 17 16. we will return to the abode of 
Patrick Hay, and travelling easleiiy, towards the farm of William Rogers, we 
shall notice the house of Samuel Smith, on the north of where now is Elm 
Street, about opposite the residence of Captain Snow. This year he sold his 
farm of thirty-four acres with a house, barn and orchard, to Ebenezer Damon. 
Damon came from Reading; wes a blacksmith; in 171 1 was a soldier against 
the French and Indians in Canada, and lived here but a few years. 

One of the oldest dwellings in Stoneham is on Green Street, owned and 
occupied by Oakes Green. Its history goes ' back almost two centuries, 
through the families of the (neens, the liryants and .Southeis. to 'Thomas 
Millard, who is supposed to have built it and lived there until 1725, when he 
sold to John Souther. Aliilard came from Reading. North of Thomas 
.Millard lived Joseph Bryant, the father of Col. Joseph Bryant. 

To a person tramping through the Fells west of Bear Hill and so down to 
Spring Pasture, the territory appearing, til! within a few years, like a solitary 
wilderness, away from roads and human habitations, it seems almost impos- 
sible to realize that he is passing over what was once cultivated farms, and 
yet, in this immediate neighborhood, long before the memory of living man, 
there were three different houses. As one peered into the well, looked down 
into the ceilar-hole and traced the numerous walls about the Parker place, he 
felt almost the weird sensation of looking back on a pre-historic past, that 
the traveler experiences in gazing upon the ruins of Palenque and Uxmal. 
These old landmarks have afforded, how many hours of happy revery. but 
alas I they are now all swepi awa_\', the vwalls are gone, and not a trace re- 
mains to locate the home of I-J)enezer Parker, who lived here 150 years and 
more ago. His nearest neighbors to the south lived, one of them where now 
is the east end of Winchester Reservoir, and the other a little farther south, 
in Spring Pasture. As there was no highwa}' in this neighborhood, the 
people probably used the road over Hear Hill, which extended down through 
vhe woods to Medford. 



30 lilSTOKV Ol- STOXKHA.M. 

Wlicn the tli\i.sion of land among the inliabitants of Charlestown was 
made, in 165S, the northwestern section of the town was not included; that 
is to say, the territory between High Street and Woburn line, and north from 
about Captain Rufus Richaidson's Lane. This was subsequently known as 
the Charlestown Farms, and in the early part of the eighteenth century was 
leased to different individuals. The two hundred acres in the extreme north- 
western section were leased, in 1705, to Stephen Williams, of Woburn. for 
twenty-one years, and were bounded on the south b}' the old road from Read- 
ing to Woburn. There was a provision in the lease that the lessee should 
"build and finish upon said Land A Dwelling house wich shall be Twenty 
Two foot Long and Eighteen foot wide, nine foot studd between joists, and a 
Leanto at the end of said house. Twelve foot Long, the bredth of the house 
six foot stud, and shall Dig and sufficiently stone A Convenient Seller under 
said House, and shall build and cary up a Double stack of Brick Chimneys to 
A Convenient height above the house, and shall Lay two floors in said house, 
and Leanto and fill the Walles Between the Studs and Ceile them with Plained 
boards or Lime morter on the inside, and shall make Convenient Stairs, and 
shall board or Claboard the outside of said house, and board and Shingle the 
Roofe, to make it every Where Thite, and make Convenient Lights in said 
house, and Glaze the same ; And shall also erect and build A Barn upon said 
Land Thirty foot Long and Twenty foot wide, and Cover the same on the 
Sides, Ends and Roofe, to make it thite ; and at his own proper Cost and 
charges suport, maintaine, Repair and Amend the said house and barn with 
all needful Repairations and Amendments during said Term, And shall also 
plant Two acres of said Land with Good fruit Trees, for an Orchard, the 
Trees to be planted thirty Two foot asunder, and Fence said Orchard intire. 
With A Good sufficient fence aboute the same, and make and maintaine A 
Good sufficient fence, stone Wall, or posts and Railes about What Land he 
Improves; And the said Land, medow, house, barn and fences erected and 
sett up on said Land as above said, so well and sufficiently repaired and 
Amended ; with the orchard sufficiently fenced intire, and as above expressed, 
all the improved Land so fenced ; as above said at the end of said Term of 
Twenty one years shall and will Leave, etc." 

Eighty acres were to be reserved for woodland. For rent he was to pay 
during the first ten years twelve pence per year, and for the other eleven years 
the sum of five pounds and ten shilhngs per year. How long he remained is 
uncertain, though twenty years latei' there was a Stephen Williams, Jr.. here, 
probably the same man. The house which he built was one story high, and 
probably stood on the north side of the old road a little easterly from the 
Woburn line, though possibly the original dwelling was located near the spot 
where the late Caleb Wiley lived. The latter spot is said to have been the 
scene of an Indian butchery. The tradition is. that after the murder the 
neighbors assembled and jjursued the savages. Near a large rock, which may 



\r. 



w 





32 HISTOKV OF STONKHAM. 

be sL'cn to tliis day about a tliird of a mile west of the house, one of them 
was seen and shot. Also seven packs were found on the rock, from which it 
app^'ired that six others were in his company and had escaped. 

The farm east of that t)f Williams, consisting of one hundred and sixteen 
a?res. with a house, barn and orchard, just such as has here been described, 
was leased to John Wesson, of Reading, and extended to the Geary land 
near the present High Street. The house was probably located in the vicinity 
of where the late James Pierce lived. Wesson also in 1705 leased ninety one 
acres south o\ his other farm, with the sarne provisions in the lease as to 
hoas2, b irn in 1 o;j'iird as in tint of Willi ins. Tns litter ex'^ndid froai 
near O'lk .Street to High Street. The buildings were located a few rods east 
of the old house of John B. Tidd south of the road, and were still standing 
in the early part of the present century. Some }'ears later this farm was 
occupied for man\' years b\' James Hill, the founder of the famil_\" of that 
name. 

The next and last farm to the south w.as one, of one hundred and ten 
acres, let to Thomas and Daniel (Jould, with the same conditions as in the 
other leases, raid e.xtended from near Oak .Street on the west to Iknd of Ken- 
dall Parker on the east, extending a little easterly of High Street, and em- 
braced a large portion of Farm Hill. Two ancient homesteads stood on this 
territory, and it is not quite certain which was the original farm house, but 
probably it was one built on the east side of the road, nearly opposite the 
house of John Paine, and just south of land now owned by the town. It 
was here that (trover Scollay was afterwards said to have li\-ed, though for a 
time he hired one of the Charlestown farms formerly occupied by Wesson. 
When .Stoneham was set otf, the Gould farm was conveyed to the town 
towards the support of the ministry. 

West of the Gould and Wesson farms, and south of the old road, was a 
farm let to Timothy Baldwin, of eighty-six acres. There were no buildings 
upon this farm, and in 1787 it was conveyed by Charlestown to Thaddeus, 
Oliver, Caleb and Elijah Richardson, and afterwards divided between them. 

It is believed that the names and, so far as possible, the location of almost 
every inhabitant who founded a family here, prior to 1725, have been given 
in the preceding pages. It ma}- have seemed tedious to the reader, but it is 
a duty we owe their memory that their names should be preserved. No one 
of them is known to have acquired a distinction beyond his immediate neigh- 
borhood. Xone of them could boast of Harvard as his r?////^? mater. Neither 
of the so-called learned professions had had a representative at Charlestown 
End : i}robabIy no town within a radius of ten miles from Boston had an 
humbler origin than ours. 

It may be interesting to know something of the dcMuestic life of the earli- 
est settlers, and nothing indicates this more certainly than the inventories of 
their estates as thev were made at their decease. Let us tor a moment eon- 




/^i^l^^ ^-^-v J, 






.^i--^^ <;^-7/^ 



HISTORV OF STOXEHAM. 33 

sider a few of them. The first one who died was Thomas Cutler, whose de- 
cease occurred in 1683. He left twenty-five acres of land and a house valued 
at ;/^4c ; "3 ccv.-s, 4 ycung cattle, ^iS ; 1 mare to colts, three pounds, ic 
swine, 40 bushels Indian corn and some rye and oats and barley, 9 pounds 
and ten shillings; i plough and ax and implements for husl)andman's work; 
2 beds with bedding ; 3 pair sheets with other linen, woolen and flax, 2 
pounds, 4 shillings ; 5 yards home-made cloth and some yarn, 2 iron pots 
with iron things and pewter and brass, 2 pounds, 5 shillings ; chests and 
boxes with other usable things in house, i pound 10 shillings; wearing 
clothes, 2 pounds; gun and sword, i pound." The inventory of Jolin (iould, 
filed March 27, 1691, is as follows: "One feather bed, bolster, blanket, 
bedstead, etc., £^; pewter and brass, £2; Iron waie, £1 15^".; household 
linen, £6 10s.; table, chests, boxes and chaires, £2 i5j>". ; 2 o.xen, ^4; 2 
cows, ^4 ; 12 sheep, _z^3 I2jr. ; Dairy vessels, ^i 13^"." Matthew Smith''s 
valuation, dated December 15, 1691, shows that he left "Two oxen valued, 
^9; 4 cows, ^13; 3 yearlings, ^4; i horse, ^4 10^.; 9 sheep, ^^4 ; 4 
swine, £;^ ; Iron and Ring and plough irons, etc., £2 ; Iron and two axes, 
etc., £1 iSj"; a whifaltree, chains and cart ropes. Iron and tongs. Iron 
bolts, shave, some other eage tools and ax, £2 gs. ; Indian corn and Inglish 
corne, fiax, and woolen yarns and linen yarns and linen cloath and hemp, 
;^3 i8j-. ; beds and cording, _^5 ; tobacco, iS^-; hops, iojt. ; chests and 
boxes and pailes, trays and dishes, with other wooden things visabal in the 
house, £1 15^'. ; i baril and a half of pork, ^4 lojr. : sadell and bridell, ^^^i ; 
Iron arms and ammunition, £2 los. : Cloathing, woolen and linen, £^ ^s. ■ 
books, 8s. ; a broad axe, a book, a pair of shoes, £^ 10s." Coming down 
to the early part of the next century, and to the second generation, when 
wealth had somewhat accumulated and luxuries increased, John Gould, the 
second of that name, who died in 17 12, left a much larger personal property, 
which was described as follows: "Wareing close, the best featherbed, one 
bolster, 2 pillows, £6 ^s. 6t/. ; a straw bed, a coverlaid, £6 lis., i blanket, 
2 sheets, cord and bedstead, £4 8s. 6d. ; another feather ])ed, bolster, 
coverlaid gd. ; another feather bed, i bolster, i coverlaid, 2 blankets, 2 
sheets, £\ 2s. 6d. ; 6 napkins, i table cloth, i bed blanket, ^i 3.?. : ]jillows, 
4.y. ; 3 pewter platters, one bason and other puter and tinn, _,^i ys. i u/. ; 
brass cettle, i^^. ; worming pan, 6s. : a scoUet and oyrnpot, 4^. : friing pan, 
6s. ; an oyrn cettle, 7s. ; an oyrn scelet, 4^^. ; fire shovel, tongs, ys. ; box 
oryn and pot hook, i gun, 15^. ; a pare of pistils and holster, 18s. ; a cut- 
lash, 4.S. : 2 chests, 2 boxes, 19^-. 6e/. ; 2 saddles and pilian, is. ; 10 books, 
13^-. ; 5 barils and a pipe, 16^-. 6d. ; lumber, 6s. ; a loome, 2 slays, £1 los. ; 
carpenters tools, ^i 14s. ; 2 sickles and wedge and old oyrn, 17s. 6d. ; and 
tackling, 15s.; axes, 14s.; forks and 2 chains, i6s. ; i plough and oyrns, 
8s. ; hoe, yoke and rings and staples, 12s. ; i shovel and grindstone, 7s. 8d. ; 
I cart and wheels, £4. los. ; sled and tumbril, los. ; a flax comb, 9s. ; stone 
3 



34 HISTORY OF STOXEHA.M. 

cart, 8s. ; 20 bushels ry, los. ; 5 bushals wheat, j(,i 2s. 6d. : 16 bushals of 
molt, I B 1-2 barly, £2 12s. 6d. ; Indian corn, 55 bushals at 2s. 3d. per B, 
£6 17s. 6d. ; 8 pounds of wool, 5s. ; a cross-cut saw, 5s. ; 5 swine, £2 : 2 
pair of oxen, ^15 15s. : i horse, ^4 ids. : one mare. £4 ids. ; 6 cows, £1 7 
15s. : 2 yearlings, £1 i8s. ; 23 sheep, ^8 is. ; timber hieved for a barn, 3s. ; 
flax, los. ; a paire of new shoos, 5s. ; 2 sacks, 3s. ; 2 baskets, 3s. gd. ; 300 
bords, I2S. : i baril and half of pork, £4 los. : sword, small things, 
IDS. 6d." 

By an examination of these lists it will be observed there were no carriages, 
no crockery or glass-ware or hardly any furniture except bedsteads, chairs and 
boxes. The only Are was that of the tire-place. Carpets or rugs had not 
come into use. No curtains were required to shield the inmates from the 
curiosity of passers-by. There were no watches or clocks to indicate the 
time. No metal more precious than iron and brass and pewter and tin filled 
their cupboards, or covered their tables. Potatoes had not come into general 
use. The staple articles of food were Indian corn, wheat, rye, barley and 
pork, with mutton and beef at intervals, and doubtless veal and lamb now 
and then. Coffee and tea were luxuries of the future, and probably sugar was 
very little in use. Flour as we have it was unknown. Garden vegetables 
were cultivated to no great extent. Milk and butter and cheese they pos- 
sessed at an early day in abundance. Wild game was plenty. The cloth 
was for the most part home-spun. To a very large degree their purchases 
were exchanges, grain taking the place of money as a medium of exchange. 
Fruit trees were set out at an early day, orchards started, and afterwards great 
Cjuantities of cider were made and consumed, but the first John Gould and 
Thomas Cutler hardly lived to reach that blissful day. It is safe to assume 
that during the first years of the settlement, wagons were not in common 
use. 

As the years went on comforts gradually increased. As appears in the in- 
ventory of John Gould, who died in 171 2, pillions were used, and we can 
imagine our great-great-grandfathers on horseback in front, and our great- 
great-grandmothers on pillions behind. Every household contained a gun, 
and from necessity all the men, and many of the women were familiar with 
the use of firearms. This was not a border town, but still the Indians in 
small numbers made occasional incursions. John Gould and Thomas Geary, 
as already stated, were soldiers in King Philip's War, and later Ebenezer 
Damon and Joseph Arnold in the war against Canada. Perhaps there were 
no slaves here in the seventeenth century, but there were several in the eigh- 
teenth. Timothy Baldwin in 1708 made his will, giving to his wife his "best 
feather bed with the furniture thereunto belonging, and six pairs of sheets, 
one paire of them being cotton and lining, and ten pounds in money, the 
chamber which is in the east end of the House, with the Improvement of a 
third part of my seller Roome, well and oven, and my Brass Kettle skilct, 



HISTORY OF STOXEHA.M. 



35 



Iron Pots and Kettels, and all my Pewter Durinj^ tlie Terme ot" her widow- 
hood. Also the use of a good cow and horse, half a hundred weight of good 
Pork annually, fifteen bushels of Indian corn, five bushels of malt, two 
bushels of ry, and two Barrils of sider, ten cords of firewood, liberty of 
raising one swine and of gathering six bushels of apples." 

Gould's saw-mill was in existence certainly as early as 1708 and quite prob- 
ably much earlier, being located south of Mill Street, on or near the spot 
where stood the saw-mill of the late David H. Burnham. A grist-mill was 
built here by John Gould, Peter Hay, Timothy Paldwin and James Hill in 
1737 or 1738. There was also a mill in the early part of the century near 
the outlet of Spot Pond. The only public building was the school-house in 
the easterly part of the town near where Charles Buck resides. The aj^pro- 
priations for the school, however, could not have been very munificent if the 
usual amount was spent in 1713. That year four pounds were voted "to pay 
for teaching children to write among our inhabitants near Reading." No 
record is known to exist of a public house prior to the year 1725, but there 
is a tradition that one was kept at an early day, located a few rods north of 
South Street, on the Wilson farm. Numerous relics have been ploughed up 
at this place, one of the most interestnig of which was a large mug in an 
almost perfect state of preservation, similar to what is now known as Flemish 
w^are. 

In 1725 the population of Charlestown End had been gradually increasino- 
till the number of male inhabitants who were taxed was sixty-five. They 
were so far from Charlestown that they derived none of the advantages of a 
connection with the parent town, and suffered all the inconveniences attend- 
ing a community separated from the church and the school by miles of wil- 
derness. The time had come when they had outgrown the dependence of a 
distant settlement and aspired to become a separate town. So this year 
Captain Benjamin Geary and fifty-tliree others petitioned to be set oiT, but the 
town voted not to grant the petition. The General Court, however, in De- 
cember, 1725, passed the following act: 

"Whereas the Northerly part ofthe Town of Charlestown within the County ofMiddlesex is 
competently filled with Inhabitants who labour under great Difficulties by their Remoteness 
from the place of public worship and have thereupon made their application to the said town of 
Charlestown, and have likewise addressed the Court that they may be set off a Distinct and 
Separate Town, and be vested with all the powers and privileges of a Town, and the Inhabi- 
tants of Charlestown by their ag< nts having consented to their being set off accordingly and 
a committee of tliis court havin. viewed the Northerly part of the said Town of Charlestown 
and reported in favor of the Petitioners. Be it therefore Enacted by the Lieutenant Governor 
Council, and Representatives in General Court assembled and by the authority of the same. 
That the Northerly part of the said Town ot Charlestown, that is to say all the Land on the 
East side of Woburn, the South side of Reading, the West side of Maiden and the North side 
of the P^ifth Range of the First Division ot Charlestown Wood Lots be and lierebv is set oil 
and constituted a separate Township by the nameof Stoneham. And the Bounds and tlie Limits 
of the said Town ot Stoneham be according to the agreement made in November one Thousand 
seven hundred and twenty-five by and between the committee and Agents for and in behalf of 
the said Town of Charlestown, and the petitioners of the Norlherlv part tliereof, wherein it was 



HISTORY OK STONKIIAM. 37 

consented and agreed, that the five ranges or remaining part of the said First Division do re- 
main to the Town of Charlestown, agreeable to a former grant of the Town made in the year 
1657-55, and that the Inhabitants of the Northerly half of Charlestown should have and enjoy 
that Tract of Land lying in he bounds aforesaid, commonly called and known by the name of 
Gould's Farm, now under lease to Messrs. Thomas and Daniel (iould, containing one hundred 
and ten acres, or thereabouts; also one-hall of all the Town's Meadow (and uplands) lying on 
Spot Pond, both for quantity and quality containing seventy-nine acres (by Captain Burnapp's 
platt) an estate in Fee with an equal share in Spot P md, the said I^and or the value thereof to 
be improved for settling and maintaining an Orthodox minister to dispense the word and ordi- 
nances among them. The Inhabitants of the said Northerly half of Charlestown bemg by 
virtue of the said agreoment to be debarred from any claim or deinand of and to any Land 
money, Rents or income of what kind soever, which now are or shall belong to the Town of 
Charlestown as well those several Farms and Land lying within the Bounds above said, as all 
other Estate or Income either Heal or Personal, and from all demands for High Ways; that so 
the Town of Charlestown may quietlv and peaceably enjoy the same. And further it is to be 
understood that none of the Land contained in the 1 wo H anges and Half belonging to the first 
Division shall on any pretence whatsoever be assessed or taxed by the said Town of Stoneham, 
except those I^ands that shall be put under Improvement, such as mowing, ploughing and pas- 
turing. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the In abitants of the North- 
erly half ot Charlestown living within the Bounds aforesaid be and hereby are erected with the 
Powers, Privileges and Immunities that the Inhabitants of any of the Towns of the Province 
bj- Law are or ought lo be vested with; that the inhabitants ot the said Town of Stoneham do 
within the space of two years from the Publication of this Act, Erect and finish a suitable 
House for the public worship of God, and so soon as may be procure and settle a Learned and 
Orthodox minister, of gpod conversation and make provision for his comfortable and honorable 
support; and likewise provide a school-master to instruct their youth in Writing and Reading, 
and that thereupon they be discharged from any payment for the maintenance of the ministry 
and school in the Town of Charlestown, Provided that the Inhabitants of Stoneham neverthe- 
less, are to pay their respective proportions to Two several assessments alreadj^ made by the 
Assessors of Charles town for County and Town charges, and David Gould, one of the present 
constables of Charles-town, is required to collect and pay in such parts and proportions of each 
ot said assessments as are permitted to him by the said Assessors of Charlestown according 
to the powers and directions in the warrant duly made and delivered; anything in this Act to 
the contrary notwilhstandmg- December 17, 1725, This Bill having been Read three several 
times in the House of Representatives passed to be enacted. William Dudley Speaker." 

The first town meeting was held December 24, 1725. Timothy Baldwin, 
Sen., was chosen moderator and Daniel Gould, Jr., town clerk. The select- 
men the first year were Captain Benjamin Geary, Captain John Vinton, Mr. 
Peter Hay, Sr., Mr. Timothy Baldwin, Sr. , and Lieut. Timothy Wright. 
The following is the list of the remaining male inhabitants who were residents 
this year and paid a tax. 

John Gould Sr., Daniel Gould Sr., Daniel Gould ]r., Daniel Green. Abraham Gould, William 
Rogers, Thos. Cutler Sr., Benjamin Gearyjr., William Lewis, Benjamin Wesson, Benjamin 
Gould, fohn Hay, Ebenezer I'hillips, I^amuel Williams, Jonathan Green, David Green, John 
Green, John Cowdrey, David Gould, Thomas Geary Sr., Joseph Arnold, Ebenezer Knight, 
Edward Bucknam, Stephen Parker, Kbenezer Parker, S: muel Williams Jr., John Vinton Jr., 
Stephen Williams Jr., Timothy Wright jr., John Dexter, Peter Hay Jr., Ebenezer Damon, 
Thomas Grover Sr., John Souther, >,'athaniel Souther, '1 hoinas Geary Jr., John Geaiy, Thomas 
Geary, Jonathan Griffin, John Howe, Samuel Holeen, Jr., Joseph Holden, Jacob Howe, An. 
thonv Hadlev, Kphraiin Larabee, Samuel Sprague, Richard Belcher, John May, James Taylor, 
Samuel Wesson, Jeremiah Belcher, Ebenezer Cutler, James Hill, Joseph Bryant, Grover 
ScoUa)' and Thomas Williams. 

The first business of importance which came before the town was the elec- 
tion of committees to provide preaching and to take preliminary steps for the 



38 HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 

erection of a meeting-house, wliicli was raised the next year. It was located 
in the easterly part of the town, a few feet southerly from the residence of 
Charles Buck, and was a plain building thirty-six by forty feet, with galleries 
on three sides and posts twenty feet high. There were three doors, one on 
the east, south and west. It couid make no pretensions to architectural 
beauty : at first, was destitute of paint, and for }-ears its Ijare walls looked 
down upon a congregation who did not enjoy the luxury of pews. It was 
spoken of by a person who remembered it in her girlhood, as having no bel- 
fry or tower, and no entry, and was situated on the easterly side of the road. 
The pulpit stood at the north end. It was voted "that the meeting-house 
shall stand between the black oak tree and the red oak tice, upon the hill 
near the east end of the school-house." Stones for the foundation were laid 
by Ebenezer Phillips, and the building was framed by Lieut. Timothy 
Wright. Our ancestors were men of strong religious convictions and in the 
main were severe and exemplary in their morals, but in some respects they 
were more convivial than their descendants. 

On the day when the inhabitants assembled to raise the frame of the meet- 
ing-house it must have been an occasion of great hilarity and festivity. Re- 
freshments were served, and it requires no flight of the imagination to sup- 
pose that the pious enthusiasm of the earnest workers as they erected the 
great posts and lifted up the heavy beams may have been somewhat stimula- 
ted by liberal potations ; for besides a quantity of cider they consumed five 
gallons of rum. For many years there were no pews, the people sittingupon 
benches, the men on the west side, and in the west gallery, and the women 
on the east side and in the east gallery, the negro men occupying the rear 
seat of the men's gallery and the negro women occupying the rear seat of the 
women's gallery. Numerous town meetings were called, many appropriations 
made, and a considerable time elapsed before the ediiice was completed. 
Four years after its erection a ministers pew was built and at the same time 
the doors and window sashes were painted, also the eave troughs, weather- 
boards and end-boards. It appears upon the records that the women of 
Stoneham contributed towards the completion of the house, ^^^5 lis. 90!., to 
■.vhich additions were made by the gentlewomen of Maiden, Woburn and 

.■heading. The first town meeting was held in the school-house, and those 
persons only were allowed to vote who were freeholders, having an estate of 
■.'reehold in lands within the Province of forty shillings per annum, or other 
estate to the value of forty pounds sterling. 

About an acre of land was purchased of James Huy on which to locate the 
meeting-house, and at the same time a quarter of an acre for a burial place, 

it being the northerly part of the old graveyard south of Pleasant street. 

Town meetings were called and conducted almost identically the same as 

;hose of today. liy means of them the people learned to govern themselves. 

rhey were the very foundation of our republican institutions. De Tocque- 



HISTORV OF STONKHAM. 39 

ville says, "Town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to sci- 
ence ; they bring it within the people's reach ; teach them how to use 
and how to enjoy it." About ten or twelve years after the completion of the 
meeting-house a vote was passed that family ])ews might be built which 
should be "lotted out to such men as appeared to be the highest in rate and 
right ;" and by the subsequent distribution it would appear that the men of 
the most consideration were the Hays, the Goulds and the Greens. It may 
be interesting to pause for a moment and consider the appearance of Stone- 
ham at this period. There were probably about fifty houses in the town, 
but not the remotest semblance of a village. Almost every man was a farmer, 
some of them combining with agriculture the occupations of cordwainer, 
weaver, carpenter or blacksmith. Stoneham was inferior to most of its 
neighbors in territory, population and wealth. We may suppose its popula- 
tion to have been between two hundred and fifty and three hundred. Al- 
though numerous clearings had been made, and many farms were under cul- 
tivation, a large portion of the territory must have been covered with forest. 
Let us start from the meeting-house as a centre, perambulate the town and 
make as perfect a picture of it as we may. There were but three or four 
highways, none of them straight, but crooked country roads. In explana- 
tion of the circuitous course of the old road over Farm Hill, as it existed 
forty years ago, it used to be said it was laid out by a ch'unken man. A 
large portion of the houses were scattered about on lanes and private wa\'s. 
The buildings in a country town a century and a half ago did not present the 
neat and thrifty appearance which characterizes a New England village today. 
The dwelling houses were generally dark and weather-stained. It was the 
day of things useful and not ornamental. The meeting-house stood on one 
of the few highways facing to the south, on an elevation overlooking the site 
of the future town. Proceeding northerly, the first house a little beyond the 
church, and on the west side of the road, was ow-ned by James Hay, al- 
though he himself did not live in it, being a shopkeeper in Charlestown. 
The next one, not far distant on the right of the road, was probably where 
Andrew Phillips had lived, the one which Nathaniel Dunton built. Keeping 
on until we come to Spring Street, somewhere hereabouts a private way led 
to the east, on which lived Daniel Green, Ebenezer Phillips and, a little 
later, Thomas Knight and Ephraim Brown. Winding our way up through 
Bow Street, by the stand-pipe, the next old-time citizen we know of on the 
left, was John Souther (the Oakes Green place). It was here the church 
was organized. Southers next neighbor on the north, and on the same side 
of the street, was Joseph Bryant. From Bryant's the road followed the 
present course of Green Street till its intersection with Elm, and then easter- 
ly by the latter till its junction with the old road to Wakefield, and by the 
last-named old road till it reaches the foot of Cowdrey"s Hill. This was one 
of the very earliest highways of Charlestown End, and on it lived, in 1725, 



HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 4I 

William Rogers, Daniel Gould, Sr., Daniel Gould, Jr., and Abraham Gould. 
As before stated, William Rogers was located on the Captain Buck farm. 
Daniel Gould, Sr., afterwards Deacon Daniel, a short distance beyond 
Rogers', on the opposite side of the way. On beyond Daniel Sr., was Abra- 
ham, and still farther on, Daniel, Jr., otherwise called Lieut. Daniel, who 
had inherited the home farm of the original John Gould. All of the Goulds 
were on the left hand side of the road as we go towards Wakefield. A lane, 
we suppose, led from the road near Rogers" house to Thomas Cutler's (the 
Doyle place). 

Retracing our steps once more to the meeting-house, and proceeding south 
by the general course of the present Summer Street, we pass between the 
house of John May on the left and his blacksmith shop on the right. May 
lived in the old house now owned by Miss Lynde, which is a building of 
some historic interest, and will be referred to at a later period. Almost op- 
posite the May house a lane from the road on the west approached the home- 
stead of Thomas Geary, (the Zac Geary house) which had been sold to him 
by the children of Deacon Nathaniel Lawrence. f^ollowing the circuitous 
course of the highway in the direction towards Woburn, (now Winchester), 
our attention is first attracted to a house on the north side of the road, where 
it is supposed Richard Belcher lived at the time of his death in 1720. It 
was probably occupied at this time by his children and widow. Here lived 
a century later Ebenezer Bucknam, and within a few years was owned and 
torn down by Hiram Marston. On the south side of the way between Bel- 
cher's and Woburn line, were one perhaps two houses occupied by Joseph 
and possibly Samuel Holden. On the north side there was a house a few 
rods east of Woburn line owned at that time by Joseph Underwood, and oc- 
cupied perhaps then, at all events a few years later, by Stephen Parker. This 
was where Eleazer Bateman had established himself forty years earlier. 
Turning to the present Warren Street where it connects with Marble Street, 
if we wish to trace the old road we shall follow Warren Street to Central 
Square, cross the Square to Central, down Central to Elm, up Elm to Wa\- 
erly over Farm Hill by the way of High Street. Of course these modern 
streets have been widened and straightened but this was one of the old coun- 
try roads from Reading to Woburn a century any a half ago. When the 
town was organized Edward Bucknam, Timothy Wright and Peter Hay 
owned houses on or near it, the locations of which have already been given. 
It passed by the doors of Grover Scollay and Captain Benjamin Geary, on 
and over Farm Hill. The central part of the village was then largely a for- 
est. East of the road a path led down to the mill near wiiich John (Hiuld is 
supposed to have lived. Near the junction of Central and Elm streets a 
private way ran towards the Woburn road by the houses of Timothy Bald- 
win, Sr. and Jr. From near the house of Peter Hay, Sen., a bridle way led 
easterly towards Reading by the house of Ebenezer Damon. The present 



42 HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 

North Street ran from Reading to Woburn through the Charlestown Farms. 
Pond Street was an old road extending towards Maiden, passing near the 
houses of Captain Vinton, David Gould and perhaps Anthony Hadley. From 
near the meeting-house a private way led to Green Lane and Melrose High- 
lands. Town government and town offices have changed but little since 
then, but some of the customs which prevailed at that time seem quaint. It 
carries us back a long time when we read from the records the vote '-that 
Ebenezer Parker shall be tything man, that hogs shall go at large and that 
no shepherd shall keep sheep in the town of Stoneham, that Deacon Daniel 
Green shall set the psalm for the Sabbath day, that five pounds be raised to 
provide the town with a pair of stocks, and five pounds more for renewing 
the town's supply of ammunition."' The town well organized and a meeting- 
house built measures were taken to secure a settled minister, and procure the 
services of a school-master. The former was considered a cjuestion of such 
vital importance to the welfare of the people, that it was voted in town meet- 
ing assembled to set apart a day for prayer to ask God's direction in the 
choice of a minister, and so strong was their religious faith, that they doubted 
not their prayers had been answered when in the following month they elect- 
ed the Rev. James Osgood. In their selection of a person to fill the pastoral 
office, they seem to have been as difficult to satisfy as their descendants. 
Several were heard on trial, before one was chosen. The first preacher who 
was hired for some months was Rev. Joseph Champney. Mr. Osgood, who 
came from Salem, was called in October, 1728, accepted in April, 1729, and 
was ordained on September loth. The ministers assisting at the ordination 
were Rev. Richard Brown of Reading, Rev. Samuel Fiske, of Salem, Rev. 
Hull Abbot, of Charlestown, Rev. Benj. Prescot of Salem, Rev. Josej^h 
Emerson, cf Maiden, and Rev. Daniel Putnam of Reading. The town had 
voted him a salary of /," 1 10 per annum, ^^172 for a settlement, and a few 
years later purchased a wood lot and agreed to furnish him witli ten cords 
of wood each year. Mr. Osgood purchased land and built him a house 
which was a fine one for those times, and he remained here till his death in 
1746. The members of the church who were dismissed from the First Church 
of Reading, to form the church at Stoneham were Daniel (iould, Daniel 
Gould, Jr., Ebenezer Knight, David Gould, Ebenezer Parker, Abraham 
Gould, Edward Bucknam, Thomas Cutler, Joseph Bryant and Jonathan Grif- 
fin. These with Ephraim Larrabee, Jacob Howard and Samuel .Sj^rague on 
July 2, 1729, signed the church covenant. The women who severed their 
connection with the Reading church, some months later to join the Stoneham 
church, were Anna, wife of Samuel Holden ; Naomi, wife of Joseph Holden ; 
Eliza, wife of Benj. Gary, Jr. ; Hannah, wife of Thomas Gary, Sr. ; Abigail, 
wife of James Taylor ; Mary, wife of John Souter ; Hannah, wife of Peter 
Hay, Jr. ; Sarah, wife of John Gould ; Judith, wife of John Gould, Jr. ; Eliza, 
wife of John Gary ; and Eliza, wife of Benjamin Gould. From the church at 



IIISTORV OF STOXKIIAM. 43 

Maiden came Judith Lynde. Alary Cirecn. John Green. Isaac Green, Joseph 
Green, John Dexter, and tlie wives of the three latter. From the church in 
Boston came Elizabeth Holden. Some of those who were dismissed from 
the church at Maiden lived in what is now known as Melrose Highlands, a 
territory which a few years subseciuently was annexed to Stoneham, and re- 
mained a part of this town till it annexed to Melrose in 1853. 

Two of the best sources of information from which to ol)tain materials tor 
a town history are the records kept by the church and the town clerk. They 
are pictures of the times, skeletons upon which it reciuires but little imagina- 
tion to construct a complete image, representing the customs and habits of 
life and important events which prevailed in a New England town one and 
two centuries ago. A most interesting little book is the one in which ap- 
pears the transcript of the proceedings at church meetings kept for years in 
the neat and distinct handwriting of Mr. Osgood. For instance, take the 
occasions when the first deacons were chosen and read Mr. Osgood's record 
of it. "Att A Chh. meeting in Stoneham Called by the Revrt' Pastor of sd 
Chh on Novembr 27th, 1730, at the meeting House in sd Town. The Pas- 
tor opened the meeting with Prayer Imploring a Blessing upon their Chh and 
for Direction & Aid in the work that was before them Viz. in the election of 
2 of the brethrn that might be Best Qualified to Sustain the office of Deacons 
of the Chh. Then the Brethr" at the request of the Pastor brot in ther 
written vote on Papers. The i^t vote for the i^t Deacon by the Brethm ot 
this Chh that were present came out upon Broth^ Danl Gould Sen who ac- 
cordingly accepted of said election. The 2"^ vote on written Papers for the 
2n't Deacon to this Chh. fell upon Brothr Danl Green, who accordingly stands 
elected & has accepted of sd election. Nothing further being agitated or 
acted upon. The Pastor again prayed with them & Gave thanks to God tor 
his assistance & Recommended the Persons Elected to the office of Deacons 
to the Grace of Gd that they might be made Blessings to the Chh & Ans-- the 
Characf of Deacons & be Enabled to fultill all parts of ye office. So the 
Brethi"" were Dismist by the Pastor. 

"As attests James Osgood Clerk of sj Chh." 

"The second day of March, 1746, Rev. Mr. James Osgood died and was 
Interred the fifth when his Corpse was carried to ye Meeting-House and there 
attended to the grave by several ministers and a great Concourse of People." 
In 1729 the town voted to raise ^9 for a school ; and for the first time chose 
a committee to procure a school-master. In 173 1 the selectmen laid out a 
road on the easterly side of Spot Pond to Charlestown (now Medford) line. 
Previous to this there had been a private way over which people had been 
accustomed to travel, but it was necessary to take down bars and open gates, 
and the time had come when public convenience required a highway. The 
exact course which the way should run seems to have caused a good deal ot 
contention between the town and some of the land owners, especially Tim- 



HISTORY OF STOXEHA.V. 45 

cthy Sprag^je cf Maiden, who owr.ed the land at the outlet of Spcl Pond. 
Litigaticn follcv.'ed, and Sprague obtained judgirent and execution against 
the town. The country road then run to Maiden, and the new road con- 
nected with it near the northeast corner of the pond nuining south. Finally 
in 1734 an agreement was made with Sprague hy which the course of the 
road was fixed and a watering-place secured. Also in 1731 the "selectmen 
laid out an open Highway over the land of Stephen Parker from the Country 
Road between said Parker's house and barn" to Woburn. "Said way is to 
lie open to all people to pass as long as there is free liberty to pass from said 
way over Richardson's land and the other Woburn land to the Country Road 
near to Samuel Williams in Wol:)urn ; and in case any of the owners of 
Woburn land do stop or hinder the free passing from said way to the Road 
by Samuel William's in Woburn as aforesaid, then the way o\er Parker's 
land shall no longer be a way." Stephen Parker, it will be remembered 
lived north of Marble Street, and this was probably the road from Marble 
Street towards Montvale. It may be interesting to the public-spirited citi- 
zens of today to know what our fathers raised and appropriated for town 
expenses. The annual meeting for the election of officers during the first few 
years was held in March and the meeting for raising money in May. In 1731 
they voted to raise ^g for a school for "Reding and Righting, £2 for the 
Poor and for sweeping the meeting-house and for looking after the meeting 
house and ,2^40 for the Highways." This was exclusive of the ministers 
salary, the larger part of which was paid with interest derived from the sale 
of the Gould farm. John Vinton, Esq., was sent a representative to the 
General Court in 1734, — the only instance prior to the nineteenth century that 
the town was represented, except in 1775, when Col. Jos. Bryant was sent a 
representative to the General Court, and Capt. Samuel Sprague to the Pro- 
vincial Congress. 

Our ancestors loved office and distinction, were punctilious of all titles from 
ensign to colonel and deacon, but chose to do without a representative be- 
cause it involved expense for his service. But little of the highway tax was 
raised in actual money, most of it being worked out on the roads, a custom 
which prevailed till a comparatively recent time. Great care was taken that 
no one should obtain a settlement if it could be prevented, lest such one 
might become a public charge, and so notices were served upon people com- 
ing into town, of which the following is a sample : 

"Middlesex ss. To Mr. Ebenezer Phillips, constable for the town of Stonehani and to you 
greeting : You are in his Magesty's name required forthwith to warn out of the town of Stone- 
ham Martha Tidd and her child, late of Woburn, who are at the house of John Vinton, Esq., of 
Stonehani, and that they depart the said town of Stoneham speedily, they and their children, 
or else they may expect further trouble. Hereof fail not and make a return of your doings to 
myself at or before the 19th day of May. Dated at Stoneham the seventeenth day of May Anno 
Domini 1736, and the ninth year of our soverign Lord King George the Second over Great Brit- 
ain. By order of the select men. Daniel Gould, Jr., Town Clerk." 



46 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

One of the great evils with which our forefathers had to contend during the 
last century was the fluctuation in the value of money on account of the large 
emission of bills of credit and the consequent inflation of the currency. 
Prior to 1745, when Louisbourg was captured, specie had almost been driven 
from the country, and it was flooded with a depreciated currency. Conse- 
quently man}- contracts were made payable in the staple products, such as 
corn and pork. The purchasing value of the pound was constantl}- falling. 
No men suffered from this condition of affairs more than the ministers, and 
for this reason there was a constant friction between the successive pastors 
and the people about their salary, which is illustrated by the following letter 
from Mr. Osgood : 

"To the select men of Stoneham To be Communicated to the Inliabitants of said Town at 
their Town Meeting in May, 1737. Gentlemen. I gave my answer to settle among you in the 
work of the gospel ministry, April, 1729, and in my answer I then Declared my acceptance of 
what you then voted me for my settlement, and my yearly salary. But in my further answer I 
inserted this : (That I do expect that you will Readily and Cheerfully come into those Further 
allowances which in the course of my ministry I shall ftand in need of for my Comfortable 
Support. I am coming to a Family Relation among you & By Reason of the Bills of Credit 
Being so much sunk in their value in Exchange Between Silver & ye Paper Currency; for .Sil- 
ver money has risen from iS shillings to 27 shillings an ounce in Paper Bills; so that the Paper 
Bills sinking so much in their Credit, Cloathing, Provisions and Fire wood have Rise in their 
price there upon, that with the one Hundred and Ten Pounds which you voted me for my annual 
Support I cannot Purchase near equal to the value now in the articles with the said one Hun- 
dred and Ten Pounds now as 1 could when I first settled among you. Therefore I would Re- 
quest of you to allow me a valuable consideration for the sinking of Bills of Credit whereof I 
may be Enabled to comfortably subsist and Live amongst you. I do spend the Produce of my 
own place among you. James Osgood, Clerk. Stoneham, May 5,1737." 

In 1739 David Gould and Ebenezer Knight were chosen "to see to the 
preservation of the Deer," and after that time deer-reeves were annually 
chosen. The town having buried their first ]5astor, they sought a successor 
and secured the Rev. John Carnes, who was ordained Dec. 17, 1746. Mr. 
Carnes when he came here was a young man twenty-two years of age and a 
graduate of Harvard College. He remained till 1757, was afterwards in- 
stalled at Rehobeth, was subsequently a chaplain in the Revolutionary Army 
from 1776 till the close of the war, and died at Lynn. October 20, 1802. It 
was during the pastorate of Mr. Carnes that the old parsonage on Central 
Street was erected in 1747. Mr. Carnes appears to have had more trouble 
about his salarv even than Mr. Osgood, and indulged in some rather pointed 
coiTCspondence with the town. On May 17, 1750. which was the day of the 
town meeting he sent them the following letter : 

"To the inhabitants of the town of j!^toneham, Gentlemen :— I have year after year desired 
you to consider me with regard to my Salary, but notwithstanding this, and notwithstanding I 
have sunk by ye fall several Hundred Pounds, 1 have never had since my ordination but a poor 
pitiful consideration of ;{;So Old tenor. Whatever ymi think of it, gentlemen, you have been 
guilty of great Injustice & oppression and have withheld irom your minister more than is meet, 
not considering what you read, Prov. ii, 2^, 25, which Verses run tluis. There is that scatter- 



HISTORY OF STONEHAIM. 47 

etii and yet incrcaseth, and there is yt witholdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to povei ty. 
The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he yt watercth shall be watered also himself. You have 
never made good your contract with your minister, and was it not for some of his good Friends 
in this Town and other Places, he must have suffered. Time has been when I have had no corn 
nor meal in my House & when I have wanted many other necessaries and havent had one Forty 
shillings in ye World, nor yet Thirty shillings, and when 1 have been obliged to live b)- bor- 
rowing; and this is ye case now. But I shall say no more about my circumstances and your 
Injustice and oppression. What I desire ot you now is that you would at this meeting act 
like honest men and make good your contract that you would make such an addition to my Sal- 
ary for the present year as that 1 may be able to subsist. I desire nothing that is unreasonable, 
make good what you first voted me and I shall be easy. I remain your friend and servant, 
John Carnes. P. S. Gentlemen — Please to send me word before your meeting is over what you 
have done, yt I may send you a Line or two in order to let you know I am easy with what you 
done or not; for if I cant get a Support by the ministry I must pursue something else, must 
betake myself to some other business and will immediately do it." 

The civil and religious duties of tliose days must at times have been pur- 
sued at a disadvantage. The people sat through the long ser\-ice in a cold 
and comfortless church, with no means of artificial heat. At the annual 
town-meetings in March they fulfilled the letter of the law by assembling at 
the meeting-house, acting upon a part of the warrant and then adjourning, 
often across the way to the hospitable inn of Lieut. James Hay, where, 
doubtless amid the fragrant fumes of steaming punch and hot flip, they yield- 
ed to the seductive influence of good fellowship, and finished the town's 
business with great unanimity and satisfaction. Competent men were kept 
in office for long periods. Lieut. Dan"l Could was town clerk and town 
treasurer almost continuously from 1725 to 1748, and Capt. Jonathan Creen 
held the same office, with the exception of one year, from 1748 to 1769. As 
has been said, the women sat on the east side of the meeting-house and in 
the east gallery, and the men on the west side and in the west gallery, al- 
though after a few years those of the most consideration were allowed to 
build for themselves pews. The colored people, though in a state of slavery. 
were admitted as brethren and sisters to the church. -Mr. Carnes, after a 
good deal of contention and dissatisfaction about his salary, preached his 
farewell sermon July 31, 1757. went away with a bitter feeling and apparently 
reflected upon the conduct of the town in the papers, for it was voted "that 
the town will make an answer to what the Rev. John Carnes hath put into 
the public print." Mr. Carnes was succeeded by Rev. John Searl in January, 
1759. H^ '^'^'^l been previously settled in Sharon, Conn., and was a graduate 
of Yale College. 

During the first fifty years of the town's history she had been called upon 
to furnish her quotas to the French and Indian Wars. After the French 
were driven from Acadia many of them were billeted upon the various towns 
of Massachusetts. A number were assigned to Stoneham and appropriations 
voted for their support. An occasional house or barn- raising broke in upon 
the irksomeness of ever}--day life, for it was usually made an occasion of 



48 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

• ital hihiity to v/hich came men and boys frcm far and near. TI:e itemis of 
ej];ense v.hich were incurred at the raising of tlie barn of Daniel Green, Jr., 
in 1763, indicate how these occasions must: have been celebrated; "English 
cheese for Raising, 6s. 2d. ; 6 Quarts of Rhum, 4s. ; New England cheese, 
IS. 8d. ; Bisket for Raising, 2s. ; brown bread for Raising, is. 3d. ; sugar for 
Raising, is. 2d.; butter for Raising, 8d. ; malt to make beer for Raising, id." 
The training of the military company was also a feature of colonial times, and 
it is rather a suggestive fact that they were almost always summoned to meet 
at the tavern of James Hay. There was but one school, a schoolmaster be- 
ing employed in winter and sometimes a schoolmistress in summer. Reading, 
writing and a liltle arithmetic were taught, although during the first yeai's the 
girls did not generally learn to even write, it being considered an accomplish- 
ment not necessary for female usefulness. Among the teachers were Captain 
William Toler, Lieut. Joseph Bryant, Hannah Willy and Joanna Burditt. 
We may form some idea of the educational attainments required, wlien we re- 
member that Joanna Burditt, in signing her name, made her mark. Captain 
Toler was engaged in various occupations, for besides teaching school, he 
kept tavern and carried on a store in the house heretofore referred to as now 
owned by Miss Lynde. It was said to have been his custom to send a scholar 
at eleven o'clock to the tavern across the road from the school to bring' him 
his grog. 

Stoneham was one of the poorest towns of the county. Her comparative 
valuation appears front tlie Province tax assessed upon the ditTerent towns in 
1754, which was as follows : 

Cambridge, £^~S H^- ; Charlestown, ^162 13s. ; Watertown, 
_^66 13s. 6d. ; Woburn, ^,'117; Concord, ^74 12s. 6d. ; 
Newton, ^117; Sudbury, ;^I26 los. 6d. ; Marlborough, ^126; 
Billerica, £73 i6s. ; Framingham, ,^{^96 6s.; Lexington, _^55 i8s. ; 
Chelmsford, ^72; Sherburne, £j^C) 14s. 6d. ; Reading £118 i6s. ; 
Maiden, ,2^94 i6s. ; Weston, ^"74 7s. 4d. ; Medford, ^93 4s. 6d. ; Littleton, 
/50 IIS.; Hopkinton, _j^44 2s. ; Westford, ;i^48 12s.; District of Shirley, 
^12 7s. 6d. ; Waltham, _;^62 5s. ; Townsend, £2j los. 6d. ; Stow _;^44 2s. ; 
Stoneham, ^31 lis. 6d.; Groton, £^% 17s- ; Wilmington, ^^36; Natick, 
£2^ IS. ; Dracut, ^35 8s. ; Bedford, ^41 6s. 6d. ; Holliston, ^40 2s. 6d. ; 
Tewksbury, ^35 8s. : Acton, ^26 2s. ; Dunstable, ^33 iis. 6d. ; District of 
Pepperell, ^28 8s. ; Lincoln, ,^53 4s. 2d. ; Carlisle ^34 i6s. 

The inventory of many of the inhabitants in 1761 has been preserved, 
signed by each individual, and is valuable as it affords us a view of the ma- 
terial prosperity that then prevailed. Captain Jonathan Green, who, at that 
time, was one of the most substantial, prosperous and intelligent citizens of 
the town, owned i dwelling house, 2 servants for life, 3 horses, 6 oxen, 9 
cows, 20 sheep, 16 bushels of Indian corn, 14 bushels of rye, 17 bushels of 
barley, 30 bushels of oats, 30 barrels of cider, 108 acres of pasturage, 12 
acres of tillage, 2 acres of orcharding and 2)2) ^cres of mowing land. Timothy 



HISTORY OF STOXEHA.M. 4g 

Taylor, wlio owned the Joliii Ikicknam farm, returned i dwelling-house, 2 
horses, 4 oxen, 3 cows, 3 swine, 70 acres of pasturage capable of pasturing 
20 cows, 8 acr^s of tillage land (the ordinary produce of which is 100 bushels 
of Indian corn, 32 bushels of rye and 34 bushels of oats), 2 acres of orchard- 
ng (the produce was 24 barrels of cider) 18 acres of mowing land, 14 tons 
of English hay and 6 tons of meadow hay. 

Joseph Hill, the father of James and the grandfather of John and Lutl'er 
Hill, was at that time a young man, and was taxed for i horse, 2 cows, 4 
acres of pastuie land, 3 acres of tillage, i acre of orcharding and £6 money 
at interest. In 1767 there were 78 ratable polls, 50 dwelling-houses, i mill, 
10 servants for life, ^27 6s. 8d. trading stock, ^1160 6s. 8d. money at in- 
terest, 42 horses, 41 oxen, 222 cows, 311 sheep, 33 swine, 2346 bushels of 
grain, 326 barrels of cider, 102 tons of English hay and 205 tons of meadow 
hay. 

Captain Peter Hay, son of the original Patrick, or Peter Hay, was one of 
the leading inhabitants during the middle of the century, a prominent man in 
public affairs, holding many offices and possessing a considerable estate. His 
homestead was near the Farm Hill Station, the house afterwards knc-wn as 
the Hay Tavern. Througli the yard between the house and barn led a private 
way northerly to the Captain Rufus Richardson Lane, and so on by the houses 
of Caleb, Elijah, Oliver and Thaddeus Richardson, westerly to the Woburn 
road. When he made his will, in 1768, the original pioneers were all dead, 
and a second and third generation had taken their places. Some of the 
changes which had occurred during the first centur}/ are indicated by Captain 
Hay's will. After commending his soul to God, committing his body to the 
earth and expressing his faith in the resurrection of his body, he gives to his 
wife, Isabelle Hay, indoor movables, etc., 2 cows, 2 sheep, top-chaise and 
use of horse, the use of one-half of dwelling-house, 15 busheh cf Indian 
corn and meal, 3 bushels of rye, i bushel of malt, 150 pounds of pork, 2 
barrels of cider, 50 pounds of beef, 8 bushels of potatoes, 1-2 bushel of 
beans, 8 cords of wood, etc., per annum. 

About 1734 Reuben Richardson came from Woburn and settled on what is 
now known as the Thaddeus Richardson Farm, which was retained by his 
descendants for more than 150 years. His nephew, Oliver, and sons, Elijah 
and Caleb, occupied farms between his and that of Captain Hay. 

From the incorporation of the town to the outbreak of the Revolution but 
few events of a public nature transpired to vary the monotony which usually 
prevailed in a thinly-settled community. 

From time to time, as expeditions were planned against the French in 
Canada, volunteers were called for, and soldiers impressed. Many a Stone- 
ham boy, as he returned from Louisbourg, Fort William Henry and Crown 
Point, must have been a welcome guest, sitting before the blazing fire and 
4 



50 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

recounting tlie thrilling tales of Rogers' Rangers, and Indian warfare. Dur- 
ing the middle of the century the long-continued peace which had blessed 
the people for over a generation was broken, and for a period of years sa\-age 
war poured forth destruction along the northern and eastern frontiers. Stone- 
ham was called upon to contribute her quotas, and she responded with the 
same alacrity that has distinguished her in later times. Among her sons en- 
gaged in the wars, Thomas Gould and Titus Potamia in 1746 were stationed 
at Fort Richmond, on the Kennebec. In the Crown Point expedition of 
1756, in Captain William Peabody's company of Colonel Plaisted's regiment, 
Peter Hay was lieutenant, Thomas Hadley and Thomas Johnson were corpo- 
rals. Among the privates were John Cades, Jonathan Griffin, Timothy Hol- 
den, Nathan Holden, John Carter, Titus Potamia, Jonathan Eaton and Philip 
Gross. Two or three of these were born in Stoneham and went from other 
towns. These men were stationed at Fort William Henry, at the head of 
Lake George, from early in the spring till late in the fall. Nathan Holden 
died there. The list of soldiers in the French and Indian wars also includes 
the names of John Hill, Thomas Larrabee, John Converse, Ephraim Brown, 
Thomas Sprague, Timothy Wright, Aaron Brown, Daniel Connery, Abial 
Brown, John Geary, Daniel Knight, Michael Negell, Simeon Wyman, Francis 
Phillips, Oliver Gross and Jonathan Morrison. A few of these were hired 
from other towns to fill our quota. John Hill was a sergeant in the company 
of Ebenezer Nichols, of Reading, and was in the expedition of 1757-58. 
Four Stoneham men were also in the famous Rogers* Rangers, whose exploits 
about Lake George and along Lake Champlain, in the campaigns of 1757-58. 
fill some of the most thrilling chapters in savage warfare. 

The French and Indian War, which fell like a thunderbolt upon the colo- 
nists, came as a blessing in disguise, for it prepared them for the greater con- 
flict which so soon was to loom up in the future. Greater events were casting 
their shadows before. Three millions of people are girding themselves for a 
struggle with the mightiest power on the face of the globe. The administra- 
tion of Chatham had covered the British name v.ith imperishable glory, but 
the government is now fallen into the weak hands of Lord North, whose 
ministry is assailing the rights we have enjoyed for five generations. The 
Stamp Act, the Tea Tax, the Boston Port Bill, the Military and Restraining 
Acts had aroused and incensed the Colonies. The Reconstruction Acts were 
intended to effect a complete revolution of the government, transferring the 
powers of the people to the creatures of the crown. The jurors were to be 
appointed by the sheriff; the judiciary were to be controlled by the King; 
certain classes of criminals could be transferred for trial to a distant colony 
of the mother country ! the matters considered in town meetings were to be 
under the direction of the Royal Governor ! the people were alarmed, their 
liberties were being threatened ; they elected delegates and organized Provin- 
cial Congresses. Entreaty and expostulation were followed by resistance. 



HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 5 1 

Militarv stores were being collected, companies of minute-men raised, anc' 
the genius of Sam Adams and his compatriots was organizing revolt. The- 
towns unanimous, war meetings held, resolves passed, men furnished, sup- 
plies voted, the first volley fired, and the conflict commenced. Stoneham ir. 
the mean time had not been idle. The walls of the old meeting-house re- 
sounded with the patriotism of our great-grandfathers. It was there that the} 
met and gave utterance to the sentiments that swept like a whirlwind over 
the Province of Massachusetts Bay and extended to the other English prov- 
inces in North America. There were held the war meetings of the Revolu- 
tion, the Committee of Correspondence chosen, and the resolutions adoptee 
which declared the rights of the colonists, and pledged to the common cause 
the lives and property of the freeholders and inhabitants in town-meetins. 
assembled. Meeting after meeting was called to consider the questions 
which were agitating the country. 

In January, 1773, a long communication was adopted in town-meeting, anc". 
dispatched to Boston, which deserves attention, for it is a full description ot 
the political questions of the day, and was probably written either by the 
minister, John Searle, or else was framed in accordance with a general form 
adopted by the other towns. It contains these passages: "We fully join in 
sentiment with you, that the natural liberty of man is to be free from an\ 
superior power on earth, unless justly forfeited by some injurious abuse of it. 
The right of freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the powei- 
of man to alienate this gift." "It is a point of undoubted evidence with us 
that ihe Commons of Great Britain have no right to seize upon the properties 
of the colonists ; that the colonists are well entitled to all the essential rights. 
liberties and privileges of men and freemen born in Britain. In special, wl 
are deeply affected with some late threatening innovations upon our Consti- 
tution ; that the Governor of this province is made independent of the gen- 
eral assembly for his support, whereby the ancient connection between him 
and this people is weakened, the confidence of the Governor lessened, the 
equilibrium destroyed, and our happy Constitution essentially altered," 
Again, in August, 1774, was passed the following covenant: 

"We, the inhabitants of the town of Stoneham, being legally assembled, sincerely acknowl- 
edge our sincere attachment to the Constitution of our nation, and our unfeigned loyalty to our 
rightful lord and sovereign, King George the Third. Ardently wishing that we might ever livi. 
in the utmost harmony with Great Britain. Yet we are driven to the disagreeable necessity to 
say that, having taken into serious consideration the precarious state of the liberties of North 
America^ and more especially the present depressed condition of this insidted province, embar- 
rassed as it is by several acts of the British Parliament, tending, as wc apprehend, to the entire 
subversion of our natural and charter rights, among which is the act of blocking up the harbor 
of Boston. Therefore, we do solemnly covenant and agree with each other 

I. That henceforth we will suspend all commercial intercourse with Great Britain until they 
shall afford us relief. 2. That we will not buy, purchase or consume any goods or merchan 
dise which shall arrive in America from Great Britain from and after the last day of Septembei 
next ensuing. These things we solemnly promise to observe, provided no better scheme shall 
be devised, to answer the same end, by the Congress who are to meet the next month at Phila- 



HISTORY OF STONKMAM. 53 

dclphiu to consult the ijencral i)olitii-al interests of America, and provided a majority ot the in- 
habitants of the English Government o( Nortli America bind themselves by the covenant above 
mentioned, or one essentially similar to it; furiher provided, that we herealter shall think of no 
further method that sliall be more worthy of o\ir choice." 

The population was small, but a conmion enthusiasm possessed the hearts 
of the whole community, and a company of minute-men was organized, which 
comprised nearly all the inhabitants capable of bearing arms. Tradition says 
the place of rendezvous was in front of the house of Deacon Edward Buck- 
nam, and that it was arranged they should be called together by firing of 
alarm-guns in front of the metting-house. During the winter and early 
spring of 1775 thev drilled and held dicmselves ready for service at the short- 
est notice. R v. Caleb I'rentiss, of Reading, uutler date of February 27th, 
in his diary. m.ik;s the following entrs' : 

"At alidut 3 o'clock A. M. an alarm was made, the drums beat to arms, tlie bell was rung- and 
alarm guns were tired in the Parish. The rejiort was that a regiment of tlie Cambridge troops 
had landed at Marblehead and marched to Salem to take some cannon there, and that the peo- 
ple were defending the cannon, and wanted assistance. The people were mustered, and before 
daylight were upon the march toward Salem. Having marched about five miles w-e were in- 
formed by the I.ynn End company, who were returning, that the Regulars were retreated with- 
out the cannon, embarked and set sail, upon which we returned. On our return we met the 
West Parish company and the Stoneham Company, all which joined together, returned in order 
to this Parish, and went through the military exercise. The whole were more than two hun- 
dred." 

"It was twelve by the village clock 

When he crossed the bridge into Medtord town." 

We may suppose an hour or two later, on tlie morning of the eventful 19th 
of April, 1775, a messenger knocked at tlie door of Captain Sprague and 
announced that the British troops were on the march to capture and destroy 
the military stores at Concord. At all events, the alarm was given, the com- 
pany assembled and they marched to Lexington, reaching there in time to 
intercept and pursue the ISritish on their retreat from Concord. Before 
reaching Le.xington it is said the compan_\' separated and scattered them- 
selves about in small groups. Ebenezer Bucknam, Timothy Matthews and 
James Willy were together. A bullet passed close to the head of Bucknam 
and through the hats of both Willy and I'iatthews. Another member of the 
company was J osiah Richardson, of whom. Mr. Dean, in his historv, says, 
"Asahel Portei', on the morning of the nineteenth of April, was desired by a 
neighbor, Josiah Richardson, to proceed with him towards Lexington about 
three o'clock A. M. Somewhere on the way they discovered some British 
Regulars. Porter and Richardson were also seen by the Regulars and were 
taken by them. Richardson recjuested permission to return and was told by 
the individual to go to another person who would no doubt give him a re- 
lease, but in case the second person he went to, told him to run, he was by the 
first ordered not to run ; being informed that if he did mn he would be shot. 
Richardson did as he was told to do ; and though he was told to run, he 
walked away and was not injured. The reason why he was ordered to run. 



34 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

vas this ! Tliat tlie guard niiyht think him a deserter and therel)y in the 
tlischarge of their duty, shoot him. Mr. Porter not being apprised of their 
.rtifice in telling him to run, got permission in the same way as Richardson, 
riaving liberty to go, he set out upon the run. On getting over a wall, a 
short distance off, he was fired upon and received his death wound."' His 
Jones now lie in Lexington with the seven who fell on that morning while 
Mcfending tlieir rights as freemen. Samuel Sprague was captain of the com- 
jany, Joseph IJryant lieutenant, Abraham Gould ensign, John Bucknam and 
.Janiel Bryant sergeants, David Geary and Joseph Geary drummers, and the 
■ nen were Caleb Richardson, Josiali Richardson, Charles Richardson, Eph- 
raim and Samuel Brown, Jacob Gould, Amos Knight, James Steele, Benja- 
min and David Jilodgett, Jacob Gould Sr., Ebenezer Bucknam, David Geary, 
Thomas Geary, John Holdcn, James Willy, Thomas Sweetser, Joseph At. 
well, Elias and Ebenezer Bryant, Timothy and Ezra Vinton, Oliver Richard- 
son, Moses Hadley, Thomas and John Knight, Jonathan, Daniel and Daniel 
Green Jr., John Crocker, Benjamin Taylor, Nathan Willy, James Hay Jr., 
Timothy Wright Jr., Daniel Hay, Peter Hay Jr., David and William Hay, 
John Wright, Daniel (iould Jr., Samuel Ingalis, John Green, David Gould, 
,'ohn Benjamin, William lY^rson, Joseph Matthews, William Connery, Aaron 
Putnam, Eben Lawrence, Thoir.as Vinton, Jacob Cutler, John Geary and 
Thomas Watson. Tlie British, after retreating to Boston, were beseiged 
i)y the Provincial troops, and Captain Spragiie's company was probably en- 
gaged for some time in the seige, for it appears by their muster roll that 
.nany were in the service at that time during a period varying from a few days 
.o two or three weeks. The first shot over, the war fairly commenced, and 
;he history of Stoneham was like that of almost every other Massachusetts 
town. She sent Captain Sprague and Major Joseph Bryant to represent her 
.n the Provincial Congre.ss and General Court. 

Her sons were with Montgomery of Quebec. They witnessed the sur- 
render of Burgoyne at Saratogo ; were at Rhode Island : in camp on Winter 
iiill ; and formed part of the Continental army on the Hudson. William 
Connery was ])robably in the battle of Bunker Hill, William Deadnian was 
taken prisoner at Fort Washington. Among the soldiers in the subsc(iuent 
.ears of the Revolution were Joseph Bryant, William Deadman, Samuel 
Irown, John Boyd, William Connery, Reuben Geary, Henry Hawks, John 
.4111, Daniel Holden, Samuel Ingalis, John Knight, John Noyes, David 
iJlodgett, David Geary, Aaron Putnam, Joseph Geary, Joseph Bryant third, 
,'ohn Bryant, Samuel Call, Elias Bryant, Daniel Bryant, Aaron Parker, Ben- 
,amin Taylor, John Thayer, Benjamin Eaton, Jonathan Farley, Thomas Hay, 
-ili Mclntire, Joseph Matthews, Jacob and George Brown, Peter Hay, 
Thomas Hadley, Ralph Doyle, John Holden. Daniel Hay, Joseph Holden, 
::;phraim Woodward. Ebenezer Bryant, Samuel Clapp, John Wright, Jabez 
Jpton, David (^ould, John Bucknam, Richard Holden, Samuel Howland, 



HISTOKV OK STONKKAM. 55 

James Weston, Josluia (ieaiy, Jol), Jolui and Titus Potamia, Isaiah Harjona, 
Cato and Sharper Freeman, and Cato and Pomp (Ircen, of whom the last 
eight were negroes, and some of them obtained their liberty by enlisting in 
the army. Some of these men probably were not citizens of Stoneham, but 
were hired by the town. Among her military officers were Major (afterwards 
Colonel) Joseph Bryant, Captain Abraham Could, Lieutenant John Buck- 
nam, Lieutenant (afterwards Colonel) Joshua liurnham, Lieutenant Daniel 
Bryant, Captain Josiah (ireen and Lieut. John llolden. No likenesses are 
known to exist of any of these men, so it is interesting to read the descrip- 
tion of some of them and imagine, so far as we may. what was their per.sonal 
appearance. In 1780 Reuben Ceary was nineteen years old, five feet six 
inches high, light complexion. 

"Joseph Sliitthews, 31 years old, 6 feet liigh, light complexion; George Brown, 17 years 
old, 5 feet, 3 inches high, light complexion; Joseph Hoklcn, 17 years old, J feet, 7 inches, light 
complexion ; John tlolden, 19 years old, sandy complexion ; Daniel Bry.mt, ao years old, dark 
complexion ; Daniel Hay, 3S years old, dark complexion. In 177S — ^^[ohn Hill, 16 years old, 5 
feet, I inch; Jacob Brown, zS years old, 5 feet." 

John Noyes and Wm. Connery went forth from their hemes never to return. 
Ephraim and George Brown and John Noble were prisoners of war. The 
names of ninety-eight different Stoneham men appear upon the Revolutionary 
muster rolls. During these years, the town was constantly purchasing stocks 
of ammunition, furnishing supplies to the army, raising bounties with which 
to pay soldiers, and with an unflagging zeal supporting the common cause. 
In town-meeting, Dec. 22, 1773, it was resolved, "first, that it is the opinion 
. of this town that Great Britain has no right to lay a tax on Tea or any other 
article imported from (ireat Britain to raise a revenue payable in America, 
without our consent. 2. Resolved that the late measures of the l'2ast India 
Company in sending Tea to the colonies loaded with duty to raise a revenue 
from America, are to all intents and purposes, so many attempts in them and 
all employed by them to tax the Americans. Therefore, 3. Resolved, that 
tke proceedings of the inhabitants of Boston and other towns in the Province 
for opposing the landing of this Tea are rational : and they are highly hon- 
ored and respected by this town for their firmness in .support of American 
liberty and that we are ready with our lives and interest to assist them in 
opposing these and all other measures to enslave our country. 4. Resolved, 
that we the inhabitants of this town, will purchase no Tea imported from 
(ireat Britain so long as it is subject to a duty payable in North America for 
raising a revenue. Voted that the committee of correspondence of this town 
be desired to obtain from the town clerk's office an attested copy of this day'.s 
resolves and forward the same to the committee of correspondence at Bos- 
ton." The emoluments of public men during the early days of the Revolu- 
tion could not have been very tempting if we may judge from the amount 
voted to Captain Samuel Sprague who had been a delegate to the Provincial 



HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 57 

Congress. He was allowed four pounds fourteen shillings and four pence 
lawful money for his time and expenses during twenty-seven and one-half 
days, or the munificent sum of fifty- seven cents a day. 

Under date of September 6, 1775, the town voted "to choose a committee 
to take care, to get the wood carried to the army which the General Court 
has ordered the town of Stoneham to furnish." Again in July, 1776, the 
town voted "to give something in addition to what the General Court had 
pro\ided to encourage men to enlist to go to Canada. In the expedition 
against Canada, Stoneham was recjuired to furnish twelve men. 

In 1777 Captain Abraham Gould, Lieutenant John Bucknam and Lieuten- 
ant Daniel Bryant were chosen a committee "to hire men for the war in lime 
to come if men are needed."' 

On June 29, 1778, two hundred and twenty pounds were raised "to pay 
those men belonging to the town who have been hired by other towns to go 
into the army if we hold them and it is needed." At another meeting later 
in the same year, eleven hundred pounds were raised to pay soldiers. It 
must be remembered these large figures represent a currency which had be- 
come greatly inflated, and was of a constantly diminishing value as resting 
upon a specie basis. As the war progressed, the country became depleted in 
men and resources, and provisions became scarce, requiring great economy, 
as appears from action of the town in April, 1779, 'when they voted to choose 
a committee "to make search of the town of Stoneham to see if there be any 
quantity of grain belonging to any person more than need for his own use." 
In the same year eighteen hundred dollars were raised to defray the 
charges of the war already incurred." The people were compelled to exer- 
cise continual vigilance, there being times when it was feared the enemy 
might make an attack as is shown by a vote passed in 1778, "that when any 
of the inhabitants of the town of Stoneham draw ammunition from the town 
stock upon an alarm, Deacon Edward Bucknam shall fix the price thereot : 
and if the price be not satisfactory to the receivers, the\- may after the alarm 
receive this money again, on their returning as much ammunition as they 
had taken out if equally good." In 1780 five hundred and fifteen pounds 
were raised to pay the money that had already been expended to hire men 
for the war. October 9, 1780, it was voted "to raise three thousand seven 
hundred pounds for beef for the army." Deacon Daniel Green was authorized 
to hire money to pay soldiers that may be needed for the war. In 1781 it 
was voted "to raise thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars of the old 
emission to pay in part the soldiers that are now called to serve for this 
year." And so one may go through the town records from 1775 to the close 
of the Revolutionary War and he will find them filled with the patriotic ac- 
tion of our forefathers. However much they may have been divided upon 
other questions, they were unanimous in the support of the government. It 
was the proudest heritage that could be handed down to their descendants. 



5 8 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

Somethin<( of the condition of the town in 1778 may be realized when it is 
remembered that tliere were then eighty-seven ratable polls, seventy-five 
dwelling houses, six hundred and fifty-six acres of upland mowing, orchard- 
ing and tillage, fifteen hundred and seventy-four acres of meadow, twenty-one 
hundred and one acres of pasture land, three hundred and forty-eight acres 
of woodland, ninety-one ounces of plate, fifty-five horses, ninety-six oxen, 
two hundred and fifty-nine cows, one hundred and fifteen steers and other 
horned cattle, nine hundred and eighty-nine sheep, one hundred and twenty- 
eight swine, four chaises, five hundred and twelve bushels of grain, three 
thousand and eleven bushels of corn and one hundred and seventy-three bar- 
rels of cider. The inhabitants of 1784 and their comparative wealth ap- 
pears from the taxes of that year. 

Polls. Real Estate. Personal Estate. 

£. s. d. £,. s. d. 

"Deacon Edward Bucknain 2 

Lt. John Bucknam 2 

Ebenezer Bucknam i 

Jonathan Green 2 

Captain Josiah Green 2 

Jacob Gould 2 

Nathan Willey 1 

Anthony Hadley 2 

Lt.John Holden 2 

Samuel Ilolden 2 

Elisha Knight i 

Ebenezer Lawrence i 

John Green , 

Samuel Ingalls i 

Captain Samuel Sprague i 

Thomas Vinton i 

Jacob Gould, Jr j 

David Gould 2 

John Knight 

Timothy Matthews 2 

David Geary, Jr I 

Peleg Taylor i 

Timothy Vinton i 

Ezi a Vinton i 

Ensign Timothy Wright 

Lt. Timothy Wright 2 

Samuel Call i 

Jolm Mitchell 1 

Benjamin Richardson i 

Thomas Green 1 

John Geary i 

Jacob Cutler i 

Captain Abraham Gould 2 

Lieut. John Geary 2 

David Geary 2 

Daniel Gould, Jr 2 

Deacon Daniel Green 2 



M 




I 




II 


54 10 




2 


3 


4 


12 13 


S 


I 


2 


5 


19 9 


4 


1 


14 


10 


29 7 


4 


4 





7 


12 








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7 








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16 


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HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 



59 



iS 


9 





45 


6 


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Polls. Rc;il Estate. Personal Est.ite. 
£. s. d. £. s. d. 

Captain Peter Hay 

Robert Converse i 4"; 16 S 1 16 

Ebanezer Nichols 

Captain David Hav 

Captain Peter Hay, Jr 

Peter Hay, Third 

Caleb Richardson 

Oliver Richardson 

Elijah Richardson 

Thaddens Richardson 

John Wrij^ht 

Charles Richardson 

Elias Bryant 

Calvin Dike 

Col. Joseph Bryant 

Ephraim Brown 

Joseph Bry;int, Jr 

William Eaton 

Ebenezer Bryant 

Nathaniel Wesson 

Peter Gould, freeman 

Daniel Green, Jr 

Timothy Hadley 

Cato Eaton, ireeman 

John Hill 

Joseph Matthews 

Daniel Hay 

Jonas Parker 

Silas Simons 

Ephraim Pierce 

James Edmunds 

Thomas Gould 

Samuel Brown 

Daniel Gould, Jr 

John Hadley 

"Elisha Knight, 

Timothy Wright, Jr., 

Ephraim Brown, 

David Hay, 

John Hadley, 

"Assessors." 

In 1776 the minister John Searl was dismissed and succeeded in 1785 by 

Rev. John Cleaveland, their being no ordained preacher during the war after 

tlie departure of Mr. Searl. As late as 1786 no new highways had been built, 

in addition to those already described except a road from the meeting-house 

to Maiden (now Melrose), along the general course of Franklin Street, ea.st 

of Noble's Corner, which was laid out and accepted in 1781 as a particular 

or private way, and a cross road from the meeting-house to the road near the 

parsonage (now a portion of Pleasant Street). As has been said, there were 

many private ways, one extending from Maiden (Melrose) line to Woburn 

line by the house of Capt. Peter afterwards of Captain David Hay. In 1786 




■fi 

U 

Q 
O 

o 

Q 




HISTORV OK STOXKHA.M. 5l 

it was voted "to divide tlie town into 4 districts as respects highways, as 
follows : Captain Samuel Sprague is to mend the road from Medford line and 
Maiden line till it reaches the road from Woburn which passes by Deacon 
Edward Bucknam's. Captain Abraham Gould is to mend the road from 
Reading line by Col. Joseph Bryant's house till it comes to Stoneham Meeting 
House, also the cross-road by the Burying Ground. Ezra \'inton is to mend 
the road from Maiden line near Mr. Cook's house to Stoneham Meeting 
House, and from thence till it comes to the road that comes down by Lt. 
John Bucknam's house. Mr. Caleb Richardson is to mend the road from 
Woburn line near Lt. John Holden's till it comes to Reading line near Lt. 
John Geary's, and thence till it comes to Woburn line near Mr. Leathe's." 

Our ancestors in many respects were men of great virtue and were stern in 
their religious convictions, but in the amenities of life, Christian graces and 
gentleness of manners, great changes have taken place in one hundred years. 
Nothing illustrates this more aptly than the treatment accorded to the minis- 
ter, John Cleaveland. He was a man of talent. No insinuations were made 
against his moral character. From the correspondence he appears to have 
been, a person of great self-possession, forbearance and dignity of character, 
and yet after' the death of his wife, because he married a girl who had been 
a member, perhaps a domestic in his family, he was treated by the town like 
a thief and a pick-pocket. At one time they nailed up the door of the min- 
ister's pew, at another, covered the seat and chairs and the seat of the pulpit 
with tar. Not content with these indignities against the pastor, some one 
vented the general spite by inflicting an injury upon his horse, probably by 
cutting off his tail. The church stood by him, but the town voted to lock 
and fasten up the meeting-house against him, so that for a time public wor- 
ship was held at the house of Deacon Edward Bucknam. The}- refused to 
raise his salary, requested him to relinquish his ministry and leave the town, 
declined to furnish any reason, and rejected his proposition to call a council; 
but one was finally convened at the parsonage on the 30th of September, 
1794, and they found : 

" I. That Mr. Cleaveland's influence among this people is lost, and irrecoverabh- lost, and 
that it has become necessary that his ministerial connection with them be dissolved, and it is 
the advice of this council that he ask a dismission Irom his pastoral relations to them. 2. It 
appears from the fullest and they trust from the most impartial examination of the subject of 
■which they are capable, that Mr. Cleaveland has given no just cause for that aversion and op" 
position to him which in so violent, and very unprecedented a manner they have displayed. 3. It 
appears to this council that Mr. Cleaveland's moral, Christian and ministerial char.icter stands 
fairly and firmly supported, and they cordially recommend him to the church and people of God 
wherever in the Providence of God he may be cast. 4. As Mr. Cleaveland has given to this 
people no just cause for that opposition to him which they discover, and which renders his re 
moval from them necessary, and as his removal must be .attended by great inconvenience and 
expense to him, it is the opinion of this council that he ought to receive a compensation, and 
they recommend it to the parties concerned to choose mutually three judicious, impartial char- 
acters from some of the neighboring towns to estimate the damage to which Mr. Cleaveland is 
subjected by his removal, j. That the select men of the town be seasonably furnished with an 
attested copy of this result. Finally the council deeply impressed with the singular sacrifice 



62 HISTORY OF STOXEfiAM. 

which Mr. Clenveland's friends make in parting with their valuable and beloved pastor beg 
leave to exhort them to acknowledge the hand of God in this afflicting Providence as becomes 
Christians; to maintain the order of Christ's house, and with unremitting ardor promote the 
interest of His kingdom. And now brethren we recommend you to God and to the word of His 
grace, who is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. 
Voted unanimously. 

'•Elijah Parish, Scribe. 
"Stoneham, 30th September, 1794." 

Mr. Cleaveland was afterwards settled in Rehobeth, and finally in Dunbar- 
ton, New Hampshire, where he died. At this council, it was necessary for 
the church to raise funds with which to furnish a suitable entertainment, and 
it is rather amusing to read that they pledged two silver communion cups "to 
Deacon Edward Bucknam and l:)rother Abraham Gould," as security for the 
money which they advanced for this purpose. Mr. Cleaveland was succeeded 
by Rev. John H. Stevens, who came from Alethuen to Stoneham, and was 
installed November 1 1 , 1795. The council met at Captain David Hay's 
tavern, and afterwards proceeded to the meeting-house, where the exercises 
took place. Rev. Mr. Prentiss, of the First Church of Reading, delivered 
the charge. Rev. Mr. Bradford, of the First Church of Rowley, preached 
the sermon. Rev. Mr. Litchfield, pastor of the church at Carlisle, made the 
consecrating prayer. Rev. Mr. Spalding, of the Tabernacle Church, Salem, 
made the introductory prayer. Mr. Green gave the right hand of fellowship, 
and Rev. Mr. Aiken, of Dracut, made the concluding prayer. 

Mr. Stevens was born in Canterbury, Conn., in 1766, and remembered 
when he was a boy nine years old seeing his brother, Darius, join the Con- 
necticut troops as they were about to march to Massachusetts in the early 
season of 1775. This Darius Stevens was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. 
Tradition says he was wounded and shot so that he could not stand, but 
kept firing at the British till he was finally desjoatched. Mr. Stevens filled 
the longest pastorate of any minister who was ever settled in Stoneham, 
having had charge of the church here for thirty-two years, after which he 
preached a few years at the East Parish, Haverhill, and then returned, pur- 
chased the parsonage, and spent the last years of his life in the home he loved 
so well, dying in 1851, at the age of eighty-five. Some of the pleasantest 
recollections of the writer's early boyhood are the times when he used to call 
with his father at the old house in the evening, hitch the horse and pass in 
through the shed and back hall to the sitting-room where his grandfather and 
grandmother were generally seated in front of an open fire, presenting an 
ideal picture of beautiful old age. He was settled on a salary of two hundred 
and sixty-six dollars, with fifteen cords of wood and the use of the parson- 
age, and must have been a wonderfully good manager, whenit is remembered 
that on his meagre salary he reared a large family of children, lived well for 
those days, accumulated a competency sufficient to support him in the last 
years of his life, and left at the end quite a little property to his children. 
He was tall, had a fine and dignified presence, was a man of quick feelings, 



HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 63 

and at times preaclied with marked eloquence. Some of Ins sermons were 
printed and obtained a wide circulation. In the war of 18 12 lie was an 
ardent republican and preached a vigorous and patriotic sermon wliich formed 
part of the war literature of the time. It was delivered on Fast Day, 1813, 
and the text was Judges 5 : 23. "Curse ye Meroz," said the angel of the 
Lord, "curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to 
the help of the Lord ; to the help of the Lord against the mighty." 

Stoneham has to-day a splendid system of public schools in which every 
citizen may justly be proud, but the educational facilities during the first 
hundred years were very limited, and the people could make no pretensions 
to literary attainments. Indeed, till the middle of the present century, the 
only college graduates outside of the ministers were David and Samuel Green. 
One of the most distinguished offspring of the old stock was Judge Fletcher, 
of the Supreme Court, who was not born here, but, on his mother's side, was 
descended from Jonathan Green. 

In 1702 an organization was formed, which deserves to be remembered, 
and which flourished for about seventy years. It was known as the Stoneham 
Circulating Library, and was finally merged into the Stoneham Public Library. 
The first librarian was the Rev. Mr. Cleaveland, and for many years the 
books weie kept at the parsonage. There were some histories, a verv few 
novels, books of a miscellaneous character and several theological works, 
which seem to have been the kind of literature best adapted to the serious 
minds of our pious forefathers. There was Brown's Christian Journal, Dodd- 
ridge's Sermons, Whitfield's Sermons, Hand of Providence, Remedies against 
the Fears of Death, The Death of Abel, Henry on Prayer, etc. 

Coming down now to the late years of the eighteenth and to the early years 
of the nineteenth century, we are reaching comparatively recent times. The 
early settlers and the soldiers of King Philip's War are almost forgotten. 
The heroes 01 the French and Indian Wars are either old men or else repose 
in the silence of the grave. The uatriots of the Revolution are still the active 
men of the town. The heroic age in America is a memory of the past, des- 
tined, however, to be revived again by the Dugie blast of union and freedom 
in 1861. 

The independence of the nation had been achieved, but the long an;l ex- 
hausting struggle of the Revolution had drained the country of its resources 
and left the people little better than banknipts. The continental money had 
become so inflated that it was finally redeemed one dollar for a hundred. The 
towns and individuals were overwhelmed with debt. General dissatisfaction 
prevailed. Attempts were made to obstruct the proceedings of the courts. 
The government was blamed and civil war threatened, which culminated in 
Shays' Rebellion. Conventions were held in the summer and autumn of 1786 
under the pretence of setting forth the grievances of the people, and mobs 
gathered at the county seats from the various towns. One of these conven- 



64 HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 

tions was held at Concord on the nth of September at which Captain Jona- 
than Green was sent as a delegate from Stoneham, having been instructed, 
however, that he should do nothing contrary to the Constitution. During 
the autumn and winter of 1786 and '87 an insurrection was threatened and 
the town was called upon again to furnish soldiers to protect the law and de- 
fend the State government. The insurgents were led by Luke Day of West 
Springfield and Daniel Shays of Pelham. Governor Bowdoin ordered Mid- 
dlesex to raise eight hundred men, out of forty-four hundred from the State, 
to protect the courts and suppress the insurrection, under the command of 
Major-General Benjamin Lincoln. "On the 25th of January, Shays, at the 
head of one thousand men, made an attempt to seize the arsenal at Spring- 
field, but upon a discharge of cannon from the State troops under the com- 
mand of Gen. Shepard, which killed four of the insurgents, the assailants 
fled in great haste and confusion and the rebellion was not long after com- 
pletely suppressed."' Stoneham with her accustomed public s]jirit in times of 
threatened war, voted to pay the men of her quota three shillings per day 
during the time of their service. The military company in Stoneham at that 
time was commanded by Captain David Hay. The first men went under 
charge of Lieutenant David Geary, followed on the 30th of January by 
another squad, and a few days later, it would appear, the town was called 
upon to furnish six additional men and a sergeant. 

This company did not go as an organization, though they furnished men 
for the quota. At least during a portion of the time while the trouble existed 
one of the regiments was commanded by Colonel Joseph Bryant. At that 
time Colonel Bryant was the chief military personage of the town, and it 
mav be interesting here to refer to one or two stories that are told of him, 
though the writer is unable to vouch for their truth ; but they were related to 
him in his youth. He was grandson of Deacon Daniel Gould, who gave to 
him the Captain Buck farm. He was a man of considerable influence, was 
interested in military matters, and doubtless was an ardent patriot. A short 
time prior to the outbreak of the Revolution he had occasion to go to the 
marsh, as was customary in those days, for a load of salt hay. On his return 
he met some of the king's officers on horseback, who ordered him to turn out 
of the road and make room for them. Twisting the whip lash about his hand, 
straightening himself to his full height, and menacing defiance in his attitude, 
he thundered out to them he should neither turn out for them nor all the 
king's army. 

Another story is, that on a certain occasion, the governor called to the 
house to see him. He was at work in the field and his good wife somewhat 
awed by the presence of ofiicial greatness, and desirous that her husband 
should appear to good advantage, took his Sunday clothes and ran out to him 
with them ; but tlie doughty colonel was possessed of good sense, and scout- 



HISTORY OF STO.VKJ'AM. 65 

iny- false appearances, marched uj) to the <j;overnor witli his workuig clot' es 
on liis Ixick and as we nia\' suppose his Sunchiy clothes over his arm. 

In 1788 Captain Jonathan Gfeen was sent as a delej^ate to the ronvention 
in J5oston, which was called to ratify the constitution. This same year "Jon- 
athan (Ireen and others petitioned the selectmen to lay out a town-wav from 
Ezra \'inton"s harn to the southeast corner of the town, needed bv them tor 
the purpose of .u'oins to market .ind to mill." stating that for more than sev- 
enty years they and their predecessors had maintained such road at their own 
expense. The road was laid out and accepted the ne.xt year. It is the old 
road now in Melrose Highlanc's leading- from Fnniklin Street near the Per- 
kins place, southerl}- towards the centre of the tov.'u, and into it ran a private 
way from Green Lane. In [793 the school-house which had probably grown 
old and dilapidated, was sold, and the town eidicr in this or the .succeeding 
year, built a new one twenty feet square and located it a little north of the 
meeting-house and east of the road. On the 25th of August, 1795, died 
Captain Jonathan (ireen, who for fifty years had been ih.e most active man of 
the town in public aflairs. lie was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of 
Samuel Green, of Maiden. He was Ijorn in Maiden, November 23, 1719, 
and when a young boy removed with his father to Stoneham where he lived 
the rest of his life, except from 1769 to 1786 whrn he resided in Chelsea. 
With the exception of one yeat he was town clerk and town treasurer from 
1748 to 1769, also from March 17S9 till his death, except two years; twenty- 
five years in all. In these days there was no alms-house, and the custom 
prevailed at the annual town-meeting in March of putting up the j)aupers at 
public auction, and striking them oft' for board to the lowest bidder, a ])rac- 
tice perhaps, insuring economy to the town, but not always cheering to the 
victim. William Street was laid out in 1798 but not built till 1S05. 

During the first seventy-five years of the town's histor\-, the growth was 
small, and it must have presented very much the same appearance in 1800 as 
in 1725. (]oing back to the first years of the present century, let us look 
upon the town as it then appeared, the picture perhaps not perfectly accurate 
in all its details, but nevertheless substantially correct. It must be remem- 
bered that it was long subsequent to this period, when Stoneham became a 
manufacturing town. If one of our ancestors who was alive at that time 
should return today, and mingle with us, hardl\- a familiar object would be 
presented to his view. Imagine him, in the first place, turning his footsteps 
towards the old meeting-house, and picture the amazement with which he 
would be overcome. Astonished and bewildered, he would wander about in 
search of the pound, the James Hay house, the school-house and the chucch, 
for in those days all these objects were taken in at a single glance. They 
have long since disappeared from human sight. Turning his face to the 
west, he would see that a magic power had felled the trees of the forest and 
reared in its place a large and prosperous town, presenting an appearance of 

s 



66 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

wealth and prosperity almost beyond the conception of one accustomed to the 
simplicity of colonial days. On every side the farms which he remembers 
scattered here and there are covered with houses and factories and chimneys. 
The quiet rest of country life has given place to the buzz of machinery and 
the whistle of the engine. Broad and numerous avenues replace the crooked 
country roads, and the old houses are almost gone. Commencing at North 
Street and going from Reading (now Wakefield) towards Woburn, the first 
house on the north side of the street was one recently known as the Deacon 
Dunlap house, where formerly lived one Simonds wlio kept a store. There 
lived Ephraim Pierce the younger. 

A little further on, lived Ephraim Pierce the father, on the spot where Jas. 
H. Pierce lately resided. The next was a small one story house occupied by 
Captain Nathaniel Cowdrey, and stood on the south side of the road, a little 
east of the present farm house of John B. Tidd. The next house was on 
the right occupied by Phineas Wiley, and stood v here Caleb Wiley lived at 
the time of his death. Coming from North Slreet onto Higli Street the 
first building was an old one on the east side of the street occupied by John 
Geary. South of him was Benjamin Geary where .Mr. Sargent now resides. 
Near the top of Farm Hill also on the east side of the road, Stephen Lynde 
lived in a house owned by Mrs. Reuben Geary. In the old office lived Jas. 
Willy. Thirtv or forty yards south was the residence of Captain Peter Hay.- 
Next came the Hay Tavern, occupied by Captain Peter Hay, on the west side 
of the street, then the Aaron Hay house and afterwards the parsonage. 
Where Wm. H. Richardson new lives stood ihe house of Captain David 
Geary. Going south on what is now Warren Street was the house of Mr. 
Wright, father of Captain John H. Wright, which stood on a lane running 
westerly from the road. This lane followed about the course of Hancock 
Street. A little further south on the east side was the residence of James 
Hill. The Lot Sweetser house on the north side of Marble Street was then 
owned by James Hill, called James Hill, Jr. The last house in Stoneham 
which stood partly in Woljurn was the Jesse Dike house then occupied by 
William Holden. Returning east over Summer Street, the first house on the 
north was that of Ebenezer Bucknam. Then came the dwelling of the late 
Zac. Geary which was torn down a short time since. A little further north 
on the east side was Deacon Jabez Lynde. No other building intervened till 
the meeting-house was reached. A fev; rods north of the meeting-house and 
westerly from the highway was Thomas Gould, who had bought the James 
Hay farm. In the Osgood house lived Mrs. Dalton, a daughter of Rev. James 
Osgood. In the Oakes Green house lived Eben Bryant and north of him 
Elias Bryant. Daniel Hay lived where Horace Tilton now resides. On the 
Captain Buck place was the house of Col. Bryant. Col. Bryant's next neigh- 
bor was John Noble where Aaron Paine afterwards lived. On the Jenkins 
place lived Captain Abraham Gould, and further on Daniel Gould, Esq. The 



HISToK\ OF STONEHAM . 6/ 

four latter houses were situated on territory which has been annexed to Wake- 
field. Returning to Spring Street and going east over what was then a priv- 
ate way there was an old liouse on the south where lived William A. Rowe. 
Where the Chapman house new stands lived Ephraim Brown, and in the 
Sturtevant house Captain Daniel Green. Continuing on towards Melrose 
Highlands near the town line and just beyond it standing back from the street 
on the north side in a lot owned by the town, was a small house or hut occu- 
pied by Clamrod, a Prussian, whose wife was a mulatto. The first house on 
Franklin Street, now owned by Mr. Outram, was that of Thomas Green. He 
was the father of Rev. Samuel Green, born in .Stoneham in 1792, afterwards 
pastor of the Essex Street church, Boston, and although he died in compar- 
atively early life, in his forty-third year, he was a man of marked distinction 
and great promise. Rev. David Green, a brother of .Samuel, was born in 
1797, and for twenty years was secretary of the American Board of Commis- 
sioners for Foreign Missions. In the next house on the north side of the 
street at present occupied by Mr. Walsh lived Captain Josiah Green. Jona- 
than and Peter Green resided on Green Lane ; near the foot of Vinton's Hill 
now in Melrose Highlands was the house of Ezra Vinton. Between Ezra 
Vinton's and the Reading road on the south side lived his two brothers, 
Thomas and Timothy, and on the north side, the last house in Stoneham was 
that of John, nicknamed Sopus, Green, 

Going from Summer Street down the present Pond Street towards Spot 
Pond, Nathan Bucknam lived in the James Hadley house and John Bucknam 
in an old house on the south side of the street torn down some years ago. 
On the Dyer farm lived Jesse Green. Where the Ames house now stands 
there was a building then owned and occupied by Jacob and David Gould, the 
former of whom was murdered in 18 19. On the opposite side of the street 
and a little further south lived a second David Gould, commonly called Pepe 
Gould. At the northeast corner of the Pond lived Matthew Whipple Sprague. 
Further down towards the Red Mills were the houses of Ebenezer Bucknam 
and Jabez Kendall. Returning and taking the road to the south on the east 
side of the Pond, Daniel Bryant's house was located where Charles Copeland 
afterwards lived. On the east side of the road, on or near the location of the 
Butterfield house, lived Mr. Willy. 

The last house in Stoneham on the west side of the road was that of Cap- 
tain Samuel Sprague. Retracing our way to the Hay Tavern in the north 
part of the town, and going thirty or forty rods a little north of west, we 
should have come to the Fosdick house, in which Captain Caleb Richardson 
lived. In the northwest part of the town on the private way leading from the 
Hay Tavern to Woburn, were the houses of Captain Rufus, Elijah, Oliver and 
Thaddeus Richardson. At the old Poor Farm lived the widow Pllizabeth 
Cutler, the last survivor of that family. Holden lived east of Bear Hill. A 
few other buildings there were, but these were substantially all the dwelling- 



insTOKV OF STOMCHA.M. 69 

houses of the town, with one cliurch and one school-house. The principal 
chan'jji t'lU hid tikea p!r:; d-irin^ l!;e List thrie-q.urters of the eighteenth 
century hid been a mere succession of generations, even the same names 
being very generally preserved. 

In 1802 tne town voted to build a new nieeting-house, and chose .Mr. 
D.iniel (iould. Captain Daniel C.reen anrl Captain David Gearv a committee 
for tha< purpose. It was also voted to -build the new meeting-house on the 
slope of the hill that is cast pf the 1 Jurying Hill Brook on the north side of 
the road." The committee were instructed to mr.ke all necessary provision 
for tlu- entjrtamm jnt and rjhv\slunent of the men to Ije emploved. and a gen- 
eral invitation was extendetl to the inhabitants to lie present at the raising, 
which o:cupied Wednesday, the 29th. and Thursday the 30th :iay of June, 
1803, and it w 's dedicated on tlie I4ih day of December, the same vear. 
This was the second house of public worship erected in the town. This 
-second house rem.iined til! the first Sabbath in Jantiury, 1840, when it was 
de.,troye>;l by tire which ajcidentally caught fro.n a slove during morning ser- 
vice. The older residents will remember this edifice with the common about 
it, about one acre and a cjuarter on the north side of the road and three- 
cjuarters of an acre on th; soath side, which was ui:d as the training field. 
The following description of the church has been left by Air. Stevens: 

"A. D., 1S03. Tlij inh.iljitunts of the town of Stoneham built this new Meeting House. 
Captain David Geary, Captain Daniel Green, Mr. Daniel Gould were the committee to build the 
meeting-house. They agreed with carpenters to do all the work tor seventeen hundred and 
eighty one dollars. 1 he house was raised the two last davs in June, 1S03, and finished about 
the middle of ">• ovember following It is forty-six feet by tilty-six. The entry is ten feet mak ■ 
ing the body of the house square. It cost about 5500 dollars, includingthe common which cost 
about 120 dollars. The pews sold for several hundred dollars more than enough to pay for tlie 
house. The highest pew sold for 173 dollars. On the 14th of December we assembled in the new 
ISleeting House to dedicate it to Uod. There was a vast concourse of people. Kev. Mr. San- 
born, Kev. Mr. Reynolds, Hev. Mr. .N'elson, and Mr. M — attended with myself- Mr. Reynolds 
read and made the first prayer. Mr. Sanborn made the consecrating praj-er. I preached on 
Haggai, 2, 7, 'I will fill this house with glory,' and made the concluding prayer. The choir 
concluded with a dedicating anthem. Great order and solemniiy marked all the proceedings. 
Onthe Sabbath before I preached a farewell sermon at the Old .Meeting House, and the da}' after 
dedication the people took it down. I have written tliis that after generations might know 
about it, especially my successors in the ministry." (Signed), John H. Stevens. 

In 1803 it was voted to request the Selectmen to lay out a new road from 
the road south of the Old Meeting House by the corner of Deacon Jabez 
Lynde"s house straight to the New Meeting House." In 1805 William Street 
was built, and the Medford and Andover Turnpike the next year. In 1S06, 
also, Daniel Gould was elected to represent the town in the General Court. 

In 18 10 .Spring Street was also laid out and was known as Captain Daniel 
Green's road. This year for the first time a bell was placed on the meeting- 
hcuse, having been purchased by subscription, the committee to purchase it 
consisting of Thaddeus Richardson. ISenjamin Geary and Lieut. John Buck- 
nam. In the early clays Stoneham and its people seemed to be rather fond 



70 HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 

of indulging in law-suits. In building William Street the road passed through 
the land and near or oxer the upper dam of Captain David Hay. They could 
not agree upon the damages, so the Captain sued the town, recovered judg- 
ment, and obtained execution. The Richardsons also had a good deal of 
trouble about their damages, and finally the town was indicted for not open- 
ing that part of the road lying between the meeting-house and the houses of 
Aaron and Peter Hay through the land of Lieut. John Bucknam, now from 
Pleasant to Central Street. 

On the 1 8th day of June, 1812, war was declared by the Congiess of the 
United States against Great Britain. This war was generally unpopular in 
New England, though there was a minority strongly in favor of it. The 
people of the town supported the government, and cheerfully met the demands 
that were made upon them. At the May meeting they voted "to make up 
the pay of the soldiers who have volunteered or shall volunteer their services 
or who shall be drafted out of the militia in Stoneham in pursuance of the 
recent general orders of the Governor for raising ten thousand men out of the 
militia of the Commonwealth, to the sum of fifteen dollars the month, includ- 
ing the United States pay, when they shall be called into the actual service." 
Again, in August, Captain Caleb Richardson, Lieut. John Bucknam, Deacon 
Jabez Lynde, Captain Nathaniel Cowdrey and Mr. James Hill were chosen a 
committee to draw up resolutions upon the national affairs. About this time 
a famous company of riflemen was organized, known as the Washington Rifle 
Greens. Most of the men came from Stoneham and South Reading, though 
the first commissioned officers were all from Stoneham. It was ior a long 
time the crack company of the vicinity, and was called out in 18 14 from Sep- 
tember 22d to October 31st, and stationed on Dorchester Heights. Its first 
commander. Captain Jonathan Hay, is said to have been a very efficient of- 
ficer. Some of the old-time captains whose names were familiar thirty or 
forty years ago, such as Captain Wright, Captain William Richardson and 
Captain Steele graduated from this company. The following is a roll of the 
company while in camp on Dorchester Heights: "Inspection and musterroU 
of Captain Jonathan Hav"s company of riflemen, of Maj. William Ward's 
battalion in Gen. Maltby's brigade, of the detached corps under Major-Gen. 
Whiton (October 25, 1814.) Jonathc^n Hay, Captain: John H. Wright, 
Lieutenant : William Richardson, Ensign ; Sergeant.s — William Deadman, 
Benjamin Gearv, Jr., Samuel Richardson, William Bryant. Corporals — 
Abraham Marshall, Ephraim Pierce, Samuel VVMley, Jesse Converse. Musi- 
cians — Jedde Brown, William Holden, Joseph Matthews, Thomas Parker, 
Nathaniel Richardson. Privates — James Brown, Jeremiah Converse, Samuel 
Evans, James I-Imerson, Joseph Eaton, Benjamin Flint, Samuel Geary, Amos 
Howard, Pierpont Hay, Simon Jones, Henry Knight, Charles Lewis, Jas. 
Lathe, Asahel Porter, Timothy Pierce, Alpha Richardson. Jonas M. Rowe, 
Frederick Slocumb and Sair.uel Sweetser." 



HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 7I 

One of the curious relics of bygone days was the office of tytliingman, a 
part of whose duty it was to preserve order in the church. The sense of 
propriety and decency which exists among the young people of to-day must 
be greater than that which prevailed seventy-five years ago, In 18 16 it was 
necessary to instruct the tythingnien to "clear the stairway of the meeting- 
house so that the people can have a free passage into the gallery, and the 
people when they leave the house will turn to the right hand or the left hand 
as soon as they get out of doors, so that others may have a free passage 
through the porch, and to keep the bows and girls from whispering and laugh- 
ing in the gallery. The tythingnien will post up these instructions at the 
Meeting-House. " 

In passing from Stoneham towards Spot Pond over Pond Street, the trav- 
eller notices on the right about one-fourth of a mile below the junction of 
South Street, the well-kept buildings of what was formerly known as the 
Tom Gould Farm. For generations it had been the home of a branch of 
this old family. David, a grandson of the original settler, John Gould, had 
bought it in 17 14. The present dwelling occupies the site of the old house. 
On this spot, and during the night of November 25, 18 19, occurred the brutal 
murder of Jacob Gould, which produced a profounder sensation in the town 
than any other local event in its history. The family at that time consisted 
of two brothers, David and Jacob, and a maiden sister, Polly Gould, together 
with one Mrs. Winship, who was hired to help do the work. David and 
Polly were supposed, for those times, to have considerable money. On the 
evening of the 25th, between ei-ght and nine o'clock, they were sitting in the 
kitchen, when three men rushed in with disguised faces, armed with dirks, 
and demanded of Jacob his money. He attempted to defend himself with a 
chair, but was overcome, and fell pierced with several wounds, one of which, 
in the region of the heart, proved fatal. David also received two wounds. 
The hands of David and Polly were then bound, and each one of the three 
was in turn taken up stairs to produce the money. From Jacob was obtained 
five dollars, from David two hundred dollars, and from Polly six hundred 
dollars, hers being deposited in six deer-skin bags, in Jacob's chest. Ingoing 
up stairs the light went out. In the scuffle that ensued Polly's fingers were 
badly cut and a finger of one of the robbers. Daniels was afterwards detect- 
ed partly by means of this wound. A fourth man stood at the door to keep 
watch, supposed by some to have b en one Clifton, who had formerly resided 
in the town. After the robbery the members of the family were all put down 
cellar, a feather-btd thrown down for them to lie upon, a table placed against 
the door, and warning given that one of the robbers would be left to guard 
them for two hours. .About eleven o'clock, however, David was impelled by 
the dying groans of his brother to venture up-stairs and give the alarm to 
their next-door neighljor. Stephen Lvnde. 




y 



HISTORY OF STOXICIIAM. J T, 

liy daylight the wlioie town was aroused, and scourin<; the countr\- far and 
near. Jacob died at tliree oYiocI^ on tlie niorning' of tlie 26tli. A reward of 
five liundred dollars was otiercd b}- David for the detection of the murderers, 
and five hundred more by the Governor of the Commonwealth. Several men 
were arrested, but no one was convicted, though Daniels was pro])al)ly one of 
the guilty parties. He hung himself while in jail before the triil. 

From the early settlement of the town the schof)l-house had been located 
near the spot where the first meeti^ig-hous;' was built. This was about the 
geographical centre of the inhabitants. During the period of a centur_\- or 
more, one building followed another. The town-meetings were sometimes 
held in the meeting-house, and sometimes in the school- house. 

In 1820 the town "voted to build a school-house on or near the spot where 
the o cl meeting-house stood, large enough to be convenient for the whole 
town for school and town meetings, by excluding small children under a cer- 
tain age." But it was not built till' 1S26. The first story was used for a 
school, and the second for a town hall. 

The structure which was erected in accordance with this vote remained 
where it was built until 1833, when it was moved to the corner of Pleasant 
and Central Streets where it now stands, known as the Old Town House. As 
has been said, the practice prevailed, for many years of putting up the 
town's paupers, for support, at public auction, an occasion attended, very 
likely, at times, with some festivity, judging fiom the fact that the meeting 
adjourned for the sale, sometimes to the tavern, and sometime- to .Alpheus 
Richardson's Hall, neither cf which places in those days was surrounded by 
an atmosphere of total abstinence. The last auction of this chai-acter occurred 
in 1825, when Benjamin Blodgett was struck off to Col. Eldridge Geary at 
seven shillings per week; Phineas Blodgett to the same person at fifty-three 
cents per week ; Thomas L. Knight to Captain Daniel Green at o;;e dollar 
and twelve cents per week ; Daniel G. Brown to Col. Geary at forty cents 
per week ; Chloe and Nancy Freeman (colored) to Daniel Gould, Escp. at 
one dollar and ninety-eight cents for both; John Crocker to Joseph W. 
Noble at eighteen cents per week, and John Green to Benjamin Geary at one 
dollar per week. 

In 1826 the town bought the old Poor Farm, and this cheerful and econ- 
omical custom has become a relic of by-gone times. It is a pleasant reflec- 
tion that the number of paupers is much less at the present time, in propor- 
tion to tl e population, than it was seventy years ago. With the progress 
and development of the nineteenth century poverty is greatly diminished. 
The laboring man of todaj enjoys comforts and lu.xuries almost be} ond the 
conception of our grandfathers. 

During the first century of our history one of the i)rincipal burdens imposed 
upon the town had been the support of the minister. The last appro])riation 



74 HISTORY OF STONEHAAI. 

for this purpose was made in 1826, when three hundred and forty-six dollars 
was raised for the minister's salary and wood. After this a parish was organ- 
ized, and the town in its corporate capacity exercised no further control in 
ecclesiastical matters. The rigor of the laws had been gradually modified in 
the interest of dissenters, so that every man was allowed the privilege of 
withdrawing from one religious society provided he connected himself with 
some other, so that he could be taxed somewhere for the support of preach- 
ing. It has been only since 1834 that the support of public worship has been 
entirely voluntary. 

P'rom dissatisfaction with the minister, with the creed, and from a variety 
of causes, many withdrew from the meeting in Stoneham, and joined socie- 
ties in other towns. A Universalist Society was organized, embracing some 
of the most substantial citizens ; but did not meet, it would seem, at first, 
great popular favor; for in 1826 we find the town voting "not to allow the 
Universalist Society the privilege of holding meetings for preaching in the 
hall or in the school-house." 

Stoneham's record as a tem.perance town in recent years is consistent with 
the opinions entertained by our fathers, who chose, in 1832, the selectmen, 
."Levi Hill and Charles E. Walker, a committee to see that the law for regu- 
lating licensed houses is regarded in this town." And they furthermore 
voted that the "selectmen use all lawful measures to prevent any person 
or persons procuring license to retail ardent spirits." 

Prior to 1833 the town-meetings had been held either in the meeting- 
house or the school-house, but after the town-house was built, the bulk of the 
population gradually settled near the present centre of the village, leaving the 
public buildings on the outskirts ; so it was desired that the town-house 
should be moved to a location that would better accommodate the popula- 
tion. Opinion was divided, but at the annual meeting in March, 1833, the 
friends of the movement rallied in force and voted "to move the Town House 
to some convenient place near the Andover and Medford turnpike, and chose 
Charles E. Walker, Benjamin F. Richardson and Alpha Richardson a com- 
mittee to purchase a suitable piece of land, and superintend the moving of 
the building." This was the 4th of March. The movers had been victori- 
ous, but the contest was not yet ended. On the next day the anti-movers 
had out a warrant for another town-meeting called for the 12th, the earliest 
possible day, hoping to reverse the action of the town. And now the com- 
mittee proved themselves equal to the emergency. Only seven days remained 
in which to purchase the land and make the removal. A lot was bought, the 
country was scoured for oxen, and forty or fifty yoke were collected together 
tor the important occasion. The ground was frozen and covered with snow 
and ice. The building was put on runners. A great concourse of people 
had assembled. Rum was distributed from the interior of the building to 



HISTORY OF STONKHAM. 75 

stimulate the zeal of the excited crowd. The chains were secured and the 
oxen attached. The apple-trees of Thomas Gould had been cut so as to 
make a bee line, near as possible over tbe meadow to the new location. The 
signal was given, the great team started, but after a while the chains broke. 
Delay followed. The broken links were again replaced, or new ones sub- 
stituted. Time was precious. The loss of a single day accompanied by a 
thaw might leave the edifice a helpless wreck, anchored in meadow mud ; but 
steam was up, and with a yell of triumph they again started and this time no 
halt was made till the house was landed near the spot that had been pur- 
chased for its location. The victory was won and the anti's were whipped. 
On the meeting of the I2th there was nothing for them to do but meet and 
dissolve. Boys who stood about and sat on steps enjoying the fun, are now 
old men and love lo look back and recall the events of that exciting day. In 
1834 the first fire-engine was bought, known as the "Phoenix." 

In 1836 the town was divided in six school districts. The school-house, 
district number one. was located at the corner of Main Street and Captain 
Rufus Richardson's Lane: in number two on Cobble Hill, not far from the 
present standpipe ; in number three on Vinton's Hill: in number four on 
Pond Street ; in number five on Warren Street ; and in number six at the 
centre, near the corner of Pine and Pleasant Streets. In 1833 the County 
Commissioners laid out the highway now known as Elm Street from the old 
road towards South Reading. Old people look back to the period between 
1830 and '40 as one of great public interest and ^xcitement. Moral and po- 
litical questions which were destined to agitate the country during the com- 
ing years were then beginning to crvstallize. Public opinion was divided; 
one element was aggressive, and the other intolerant. The cjuestion of Afri- 
can slavery was cleaving asundei the community. Political fervor was red 
hot. Some opinion may be formed of the temper of tlie town in 1837 when 
it is remembered that Captain Rufus Richardson, Joseph W. Noble, John 
Hill and Darius Stevens were added as a committee to the .Selectmen to take 
charge of the town-house, and were instructect not to let any meeting be 
held there "which they shall have reason to think will produce a disturbance 
or endanger the house." On .May 9th it was voted, sixty-two in the affirma- 
tive and thiriy-three in the negative "tl,at the town will not allow anti-sla- 
very lectures, and clis< ussions to be held in the town-house." It is difficult 
to realize to what an extreme limit some of the good men of that time allowed 
their zeal to carry them in opposition to anti-slavery agitation. Meetings 
were held, others were broken up, and finally the excitement culminating in 
mob violence, concluded with the lumiicide ot Timotliy Wheeler. Some of 
the doggerel verso antl sarc.istic rhvme in which hard epithets were hurled by 
one side against the other, and received back in tiu'n. now lie hidden away 
in old houses ;uk1 ait' st tli; violent birth-throes of the great ret'orm. which in 
a little more th m a qu.rter of century from that lime w<,s I'.estined to shake a 




J 



IlI-iTOKV OF STO.XEIIA.M. I"] 

continent to its found.itioiis and crown a race with Inimm freedom. Refer- 
ence has l^een mule to the l:i\ini;- oui or Iniildin^- of most of the early roads. 
Only a few others will be mentioned, as the limit of this article torhids it. 

In I.S37 tlie county commissioners laid out a continuation of lilm Street 
from near the house of the late Jolm Paine to the centre of what is now 
Wakefield, making this the direct and usual thoroui^hfare between the two 
towns. The population this _\ear was a little over 900. Uurinc; the vear 
ending April i. 1S37, there were manufaiturcd 380,100 pairs of shoes, valued 
at $184,717. .Mont\-ale Avenue was laid out by the county commissioners 
in I.S40. After a life of I 15 years, Sloneham had made lait little material 
progress. In fact, during the lirst century the growth had b en hardly per- 
ceptable and the changes slight. Outside of agriculture, the principle occu- 
pation was the manufacture of shoes, though canied on in a small wav, in 
com])aiison with the L.vpensive plants and large capital invested in ihis busi- 
ness during the last thirty years. The country was dotted here and there 
with little shoemaker's shops, where most of the work was done. The manu- 
facturers themselves required no large amount of room, only a sufficient space 
to hold the goods, cut up the stock, and deliver it to the men who made the 
shoes. The largest manufacturers usually kept a general store in connection 
with their business, which enabled them to pay their work^nen partially in 
.supplies, and thus secure to themselves a double protit. In those days shoe- 
making was a trade ; one shoeniJiker could make the entire shoe, and labor 
was not sub-divided as at present, giving to each man a specific part, and 
having a tendency to make of him a mere machine. Then manufacturing 
was the slow and simple process of hand labor, now the magic product of 
complicated machinery. Something may be said in favor of each process. 
Those of us who can look back to the little shop where the workmen labored 
inside in winter, and outside in summer, the proprietors of their own estates, 
anchored to the soil by a sense of ownership, each one personally interested 
in the welfare of the town, no large fortunes and no expensive living we are 
inclined to think the common citizen leveled up to a rather higher standard 
than now. On the other hand, with the introduction of machinerv, modern 
inventions, the results of recent scientific research, material prosperity has 
rapidly increased, fortunes have multiplied, and wi-,at were lu.xuries to our 
fathers are necessities to us. During the twenty-five years succeeding 1840 
great changes took place, new roads were built, great factories sprung up, 
and a few scattered houses grew into a compact and thriftv town. New 
business methods prevailed, and the workmen of a single < oncern, instead of 
being scattered over the whole town, were collected together under one. In 
1844 Franklin Street from Main Street to Noble's Corner was built. The 
present town-house was originally built in 1847, though it was subsequently 
enlarged. The committee who built it were Benjamin F. Richardson, Reu- 
ben Locke, Jr., Luther Hill, Daniel Hill and Elbridge Gerry, and the ex- 



78 mSTOKV Oi-" STONliilAM. 

pense of tlu buildiag exclusive or" land was betwjcii $jdoo and $5ooo. The 
lower story was usctl for the accommodation of tlnj lii.u,ii School, till a short 
time before t!vj erection of the present high and gn.n.nir school-house, and 
liere it may be well to refer brieriy to the iiistory of our public-school system. 
An allusion has already been made to the single school kept near the meet- 
ing-house and to the six district school-houses that were subsequently erected 
in the different localities of the town. The High School was lirst thoroughly 
organized with a regular course of stutly and a system of graduation in 1856, 
although nominally established in 1854., and was the heritage of the Centre 
Union School, k pt by Caleb diver in the winter of 1846-47. Let us go 
back for a moment to the school of Master Oliver, which was taught in the 
old red school-house, located on Pine near Pleasant Street, and commenced 
November 30th, 1846, and closed February 27th, 1847. 

George W. Dike, .Silas Dean and Ira Gerry were committee, and George 
W. and So!on Dike, prudential committee. The list of books prescribed 
were the ijiijle. Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Emerson's Second and Third 
Class Readers, Webster's Dictionary, New National Spelling Book, Worces- 
ter's Primer, Emerson's Arithmetic, Leonard's Arithmetic, Brown's Grammar, 
Smith's Anatomy, Oliver's Geography, Burrit's Geography of the Heavens, 
Willard's History of the Uuited States, Towne's Gradual Reader, Thompson's 
Seasons, Sherwin's Algebra and Comstock's Philosophy, Chemistry and 
Physiology. The whole number of scholars was seventy. The teacher was 
paid thirtv-hve dollars per month and his board was valued at eight dollars 
per month. In age the scholars ranged from twelve to twenty. Afterwards 
the school was kept winters in the old town-house till the new one was built. 
In 1850 the number of scholars between four and sixteen was 377. Prior to 
1 85 I the prevailing style of school arcl'.itecture in Stoneham had been that of 
the old red school-house, which was so common in New England titty years 
ago, but this year the town expended about $16,000 in the erection of three 
large, fine grammar school-houses and two smaller mixed ones, one of them 
at Spot Pond and one of them at what is now Melrose Highlands. These 
were among the finest and best appointed of any in the neighboring towns, 
and they at once placed Stoneham in the front rank, at least as a suppoiter 
of the public schools. 

In 1859 ^'''^ public library was established, a nucleus having been formed 
from the old Social Library the Young Ladies' Library and the High School 
Library. The present Congregational meeting-house was built in 1840, the 
second one having been burned, as previously stated. The same year the 
Universalist meeting-house was also erected, which was subsequently sold to 
the Catholics in 1868, at the time of the erection of the Christian Union, 
now the Unitarian Church. 

The pastors of the Congregational Society of the First I'arish subsecjuent 
to Jos. Searle, who preached from 1828 to 1832 were Rev. Jonas Colburn 



IIISTOKV OF STONF.IIAM. 79 

from 1832 to 1837 ; Rev. John Le Bosquett, from 1837 to 1838 ; Rev. John 
A. Vinton, 1839; Rev. Edward Cleavehmd, from 1839 to 1840; Rev. John 
Haven, from 1841 to 1849; '"^'-'^■* William C. Whitcomb, from 1S50 to 1855 ; 
Rev. Chas. P. Cirovesnor, from 1856 to 1858; Rev. J. E. Swallow, from 
1858 to 1859; Rev. W. J. ]5att, from 1859 to 1861, and again from 1875 to 
1885 ; Rev. Swift Byington, from 1864 to 1871 ; Rev. Web.ster Hazelwood, 
from 1872 to 1874; Rev. D. Augustine Newton, from 1885 to 1889, and at 
present the Rev. W. VV. Sleeper. Of these, Mr. Le Bosquett, Mr. Vinton, 
Mr. Cleaveland, Mr. (irosvcnor, Mr. Swallow and Mr. Ma/.elwood were not 
settled. 

The Universalist Society remained an independent organization till it united 
with the Unitarian Society and became the Christian Union Church. Its first 
minister was Rev. J. P. Atkinson, followed by Rev. A. G. Fay, 1840-41; 
Rev. Woodbury M. Fernald, from 1842 to 1845; James M. Usher, 1845; 
Rev. Mr. Marvin, Rev. Henry Jewel, from 1852 to 1855 ; Rev. S. W. 
Squires, from 1859 to 1862, and Edward Eaton irt 1863. 

The Unitarian Society was organized in 1858, and employed Rev. Fiske 
Barrett, who remained with them till 1861. Mr. Barrett was followed by 
Rev. Geo. M. Skinner, who resigned September i, 1867. During the pas- 
torate of Mr. Skinner the Universalist and Unitarian Societies united under 
the name of "The Christian Union Church," and for a time worshipped in 
the Universalist meeting-house. The Universalist meeting-house was sold to 
the Catholics in 1868, and the Christian Union Church was erected and ded- 
icated on January i, 1869. Mr. Skinner was succeeded by Rev. E. B. Fair- 
child, who came in November, 1867, and remained the pastor of the church 
till January, 1876. The clergymen connected with this society subsequent to 
Mr. Fairchild have been Rev. D. M. Wilson, from May, 1876, to December, 
1878; Rev. Daniel Rowen, from April, 1879, to April, 1883; Rev. C. J. 
Staples, from May, 1884, to June, 1887, and Rev. J. H. Whitmore, from 
January, 1888. In 1889 the Christian Union Church reorganized as the First 
Unitarian Society. 

The Methodist Society was first organized in 1856, the first pastor having 
been Rev. J. W. F. Barnes, at present chaplain of the Massachusetts State 
Prison. Its ministers have been Mr. Barnes, 1857 and a part of 1858 ; Mr. 
Little, a part of 1858 ; Henry V. Degen, a part of 1859 ; Linus Fish, i860 ; 
H. P. Andrews, 1861 ; L. Frost (local), 1862; Mr. Wheeler (local), 1863 
and 1864; B. W. Gorham, 1865 ; Steven A. Gushing, 1866; A. D. Sar- 
gent, 1867 and 1868; M. M. Parkhurst, 1869 and 1870; W. P\ Crafts, 1871 
and 1872; Geo. L. Collier. 1873-4-5; L. O. Knowls, 1876-7; Chas. W. 
Wilder, 1878-9; John M. Short, 1880-1-2; Henry Lummis, 1883-4-5: 
Charles T. Johnson, 1886-7; J- W'eare Dearborn, 1888-9; W. H. Meredith, 
1890. The corner-stone of their present church edifice was laid June, 1868, 
the vestry dedicated in October of the same year, and the main audience- 



8o HISTORV OF STONEHAM. 

room dedicated December 5, 1870. during the pastorate of Mr. Parkhurst, a 
mm who possessed the force and push requisite to accomplish a great under- 
taking in the face of ol)stacles apparently almost insurmountable. 

The Baptist, which is the youngest of the religious societies, was organized 
in 1870, and built the chapel which they now occupy the same year. Their 
pastors have been Rev. T. P. Briggs, who was ordained July 16, 1871, and 
resigned July 14, 1872: Arthur J. Hovey, ordained Seutember 25, 1872. re- 
signed October 28, 1887; and J. W. McGregor, ordained May 31, 1888. 
It is expected the Baptists will soon build a fine new stone church in the 
southerly part of the town, upon the estate of the late Luther Hill. 

The Catholics bought the old Universalist meeting-house, moved it on to 
Pomeworth Street in 1868, and occupied it till the completion of their pres- 
ent house of worship, which was completed in 1888. The Catliolic pastors 
residing in Stoneham have been Rev. W. H. Fitzpatrick. from 1868 to 1875 : 
and Rev. Dennis J. O'Farrell, from 1S75 to the present time. 

Twenty-five years have passed since the close of the great Rebellion. It 
seems hard to realize that to a large ]3art of tlie people now living the events 
of the war are known onl}- as matters of history or tradition ; that almost one 
generation has come and another gone since the opening events of 1861. 
Those were stirring times in Stoneham, and all wiio love the old town are 
proud to dwell upon her record. No town was more patriotic, none more 
prompt in hurrying to the front, or furnished more men in proportion to lier 
population. Stoneham's company of minute-men having been engaged in the 
first battle of the Revolution, it was a remarkable coincidence that Captain 
John H. Dike's company, from the same town, on the same dav of the same 
month, should have participated in the first skirmish of the Rebellion. At 
Lexington she was in the vanguard of the army which founded the Republic. 
A^ I>altimore and Washington she led the hosts that saved the Union. The 
conduct, of Captain Dike and his men in a great emergency deserves more 
than a passing notice. The part they acted in the march through Baltimore 
has made the name of the Stoneham company historic. The Stoneham Light 
Infantry had been the military organization of the town for many years, and 
was Company C of the Seventh Regiment. The first proclamation had been 
issued by President Lincoln calling for seventy-five thousar.d volunteers. On 
Tuesday, April i6th. Captain Dike goes to Boston, presents himself at the 
State-House, and begs the privilege of calling out his company in obedience 
to the President's call. On his return home the men are notified to meet in 
the armory in the East School-house, where they assemble at 8 p. M., and 
unanimously vote that they are ready to start at a moment's notice. The 
night was dark and stormy, and Wednesday morning broke with a cold and 
hazy atmosphere, but the town was alive with excitement. Men were hurry- 
ing to and fro, and preparations being made for immediate departure. A 
messenger had been despatched from the Governor, who reached Captain 



HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 8 1 

Dike's at lialf-past two in the morning, notifying iiim to muster his men and 
report in 13oslon forthwith. These men were again summoned to meet in the 
armory at 6 A. M. New names were added to the roll, and the members dis- 
missed to make the last arrangements, and bid their final adieux. Those 
who witnessed the company's departure on that morning of the 17th of April 
can never forget it. The company met at the Town Hall, where prayers 
were ottered, and a little before ten, in military array, tiiey reached Central 
Square. 

The people had assembled in a great multitude, wild with patriotic enthu- 
siasm. It was an occasion such as Stoneham had never witnessed. The 
company departed from the square amid the ringing of bells, v/aving of hand 
kerchiefs and tumultuous cheers. After reaching Boston, they marched to the 
State-House, where they received over-coats and other articles. A. V. Lvnde, 
Esq., presented to each one of the commissioned officers a revolver. The 
company was assigned to the Sixth Regiment, commanded by Col. Jones, 
and the same afternoon they were e/i route for \yashington. The commis- 
sioned officers of the company were : Captain, John H. Dike. First Lieut., 
Leander F. Lynde ; Second Lieutenant, Darius N. Stevens ; Third Lieuten- 
ant, James F. Rowe ; and Fourth Lieutenant, W. B. Blaisdell. In addition 
to the officers there was one musician and a full complement of sixtv men. 
No language of the writer could gi\-e so vivid a description of what occurred 
during the next few days as the following letter, written bv one of the chief 
actors, Lieut. Lynde, who was in command of the compan\- after Captain 
Dike was wounded in Baltimore : 

"Head Quarters Sixth Regiment of I. M. V. M. 

'•Senate Chamber, April 26, 13 M., "61 
'•Mr. C. C. Dike: 

Dear sir: — Yours was received this A. .M. For the first time we have got 
direct news from home, and I assure you it were gladly received. Last 
night at 7 p. m. the 7th Regt. N. Y. arrived and were quartered at the 
House of Representatives. That cheered us up considerablv, but to-dav, 
when the gallant 5th, 7th and 8th Massachusetts and the 1st Rhode Island 
arrived, the wildest enthusiasm prevailed, for it was refreshing to see familiar 
faces from the old Bay State. Previous to this we had been worked very 
hard for green soldiers, sleeping with, and at all times having with us, our 
equipments, but the men have done well, and have stood bv each other like 
brothers. Now for our journey here. The papers give an account of our 
route to Philadelphia. From there I will try and give the particulars. Our 
muskets were loaded and capped before we got to Philadelphia. We left 
there at 2 in the morning, arriving at Baltimore at 12 M. Our company 
were in two covered baggage cars. We had stopped for about fifteen minutes 
and a crowd was gathering fast, when we discovered that the Colonel and 
Staff, together with seven campanies had left their cars, and gone across the 
city. The men whose duty it was to draw with horses our cars across, were 
driven off and could not. and we proceeded to get out, fall in, four com])anies 

6 



82 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 



in all, to marcn across, we having the colors in one of the companies. The 
companies were C, of Lowell on the right ; Co. B, of Lowell, with the colors ; 
then came Co. C, of our town. Captain Dike, followed by Co. I, of Lawrence. 
Before we got formed we were taunted and spit upon and insulted in every 
way possible. After marching about ten rods, stones and brick-bats flew 
merrily, and the order was then given by Captain FoDansbee, who com- 
manded the regiment, to double quick march. We had not gone more than 
ten rods before I saw a man discharge a revolver at us from the second story 
of a building, and at the same time, a great many were fired from the street. 
We got scattered a little, and I gave the order to close up in close order, 
solid column. Just then. Captain Dike being ahead, two of our men fell, one 
by a bullet from a pistol, and one by a brick-bat. I then ordered my men to 
fire, which they did, and I then gave the order to load and fire as we went. 
We got partly through the city, when we found them tearing up a bridge, 
and the street blockaded up with stone and large anchors, but we scaled them 
and kept up our courage. I kept around the colors and stood by them till 
they were at the depot, then helped put them in the cars. We were scattered 
very much, all trying to get into the cars. About ten rods from the depot I 
saw Captain Dike. That was the last I saw him. He being some way ahead, 
I supposed he had got into the forward cars. A great many of the cars were 
locked, and the windows closed, but the buts of the guns soon made a pas- 
sage into them. Every gun was pointed out of the window, and the rebels 
began to leave. While we were getting into the cars, we were showered upon 
with pistol balls, and they were unshackling the cars so as to leave some of 
us, but when we got right we soon stopped by stationing men on the platform 
and muzzles out of the windows. After helping put in the colors in company 
with the color-bearer, I got into the cars and they began to move very slow, 
for the rebs had gone ahead and torn up the track. The police went ahead 
and we fixed the track and finally moved on to Washington. One word in 
regard to the police. Some of them were loyal, but what could they do when 
we were in the thickest of the fight. As soon as we got started I looked 
through the train to see who was hurt and who were missing, for we were 
awfiilly mixed up. I found upon examination that our Captain, James Kee- 
nan, Horace Danforth, Andrew Robbinsand Victor Lorendo were left behind. 
The band did not get out of cars on the north side of Baltimore, and we did 
not know what had become of them till this morning when we learned that 
part of them had gone home, and a part of them were in New York. As 
soon as possible after getting to Washington, took means to find out in re- 
gard to those left behind, and found that Captain Dike was shot in the thigh, 
and was in good hands, but was told that they could not tell the names of 
the parties with whom he was stopping. James Keenan was shot in the leg, 
and Andrew Robbins was shot and hit with a stone, hurt very bad. Horace 
Danforth was hit with a stone and injured very severely, but all were in good 
hands, and well cared for. Communications by letter being cut off from 
Baltimore, I have not received news from there as well as I should had there 
been a mail, but have heard several times by men coming from there that 
they were cared for and doing well, but nunor said yesterday that A. Rob- 
bins and H. Danforth were dead. I cannot tell, for it is impossible to write 
and nobody goes there. I shall do the best I can to hear from them and help 
them in every way. We got to Wa.shington at dark, went directly to the 
Capitol, and were quartered in the Senate Chamber. The Pennsylvania 
Regiment was quartered in the southern wing, 350 men. Monday we took 



n 
> 





84 HISTORY OF STONEHA.M. 

the oath of allegiance to the United States. It was administeied by Maj. 
McDowell. We have marched up to the President's house, passing in review 
before President Lincoln. Gen. Scott, Wni. H. Seward and Simon Cameron. 
To-day at 12 M. the 5th lind 7th ,>Mass:ichusetts Regiments arrived and 
marched to the Patent Office, where they are quarterea. The 8th Massachu- 
setts are in the Rotunda and old Senate Chamber, very much used up with 
marching, and going without sleep and provisions, but our men are doing all 
in their power for thgm. Say to all our Stoneham friends that the men be- 
ha\ed like men as well as soldiers, and attend to their duties cheerfully, and 
are ready if needs be to rally at a moment's warning around the colors of 6th 
Regiment, and under the stars and stripes there to protect our glorious Union 
against any odds and. at all hazards. We all unite in sending good news to 
all inquiring friends, and will endeavor so to act that none of them shall ever 
be ashamed to own that they had friend.s in the time of need in the Stoneham 
Light Infantry. ^■()urs tnily. 

'•L. F. LvxDK, Lieut. Coiiiniaiidi)io;.''^ 

The town was full of patriotic ardor. The first company having departed 
for Washington, lifteen additional Stoneham men joined Company F of the 
Fifth Regiment, under command of Captain David K. Wai dwell, and at once 
another company was organized by Captain, (alterwards Colonel), J. Parker 
Gould, known as the "Grey Eagles.'' This last company comprised, besides 
the officers, seventy-seven men from Stoneham, and became Company G of 
the Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment, were attached to the Army of the 
Potomac and served for three years, sharing in the reverses and victories of 
that grand armv. They were at the Second Battle of Pull Run, at Antietam, 
at Thoroughfare Gap, Chantilly, South .Mountain, Fredericksburg, Chancel- 
lorsville, at Gettysburg and the Wilderness. Before leaving for the seat of 
war thev earned a high reputation which they afterwards fully sustained on a 
score of battle-fields. Here it ma_\ be well to pause for a moment and brietly 
recall the life and services of Colonel (iould, for he stands out in clear relief 
as the representative of almost an ideal soldier. Descended from John 
(iould, who has been descrilDed as one of the first settler's of Charlestown 
End. and bearing a name which tor two hundred years was one of the most 
reputable in the town, he was born on the 15th of May, 1822, the son of 
Jacob and Phoebe Catherine (Parker) (Jould. His early advantages were not 
of the best. Attending in his boyhood the local schopls, he learned the 
trade of a shoemaker and saved mone\', with which he obtained an education 
at the Militarv University of Norwich, Vermont, where he graduated with 
honor and was employed for some time after his graduation as an instructor. 
Teachino' at times in Stoneham and Wilmington, he acquired and pursued 
the profession of a ci\ il engineer, following his avocation in Vermont, New 
Hampshire, Pennsvlvania and Massachusetts, but always keeping his resi- 
dence at the old home in Stoneham. He had been repeatedly honored by 
his native town, filling many positions of responsibility and trust, having 
twice represented her in the General Court, and having earned for himself the 



HISTORY OF STONEHA.M. 05 

leinitation of a hi^h-ininded Cliiistian gentleman. So, wlicn tlie war came 
on, lie seemed peculiarly fitted !}• education and character to fill the position 
in which he was placed. Raising and drilling the company of "(irey Eagles," 
so-called, in the spring and early summer of 1861, and joining with his com- 
pany the Fourth Battalion at Fort Independence, which was the nucleus of 
the Thirteenth Regiment, he was promoted to a majority before leaving for 
the front. His appointment wis said, at first, to have been resented by the 
members of the Fourth Battalion, who looked upon themselves as a crack 
organization, and felt that it was rather an intrusion upon their rights to place 
over them a major from another company ; but as time went on, and the men 
were called into action, they learned to know his soldierly qualities and noble 
traits, and he soon had earned for himself the sobriquet of the "fighting 
major." It was a saying among the men on the eve of a battle, "We know 
who is to be our commander now, and he comnnnds no man to go where he 
is not willing to go himself.''" After having been engaged in seventeen or 
eighteen skirmishes and battles he was ordered home to recruit a new regi- 
ment, the Fifty-ninth Massachusetts, of which he was appointed colonel. 
A second time he left for the seat of war, at the head of over a thousand 
men: in April, 1864, joined the army of (Teneral Grant, and participated in 
the battles of the Wilderness. Some idea may be formed of the campaign 
W'hen it is remembered that the Fift) -ninth, on arriving at Petersburg, had 
become reduced to about one h-.mdred officers and men, all told, and Colonel 
Gould was left in charge of the brigade. His health at this time had become 
very much impaired on account of his privations and labors ; still he retained 
command of the brigade until the evening before the explosion of the mine 
at Petersburg, when he was relieved by General Bartlett. Although relieved 
of his command on the 29th of July, on the next day he took the field in the 
fatal advance on Petersburg, commanding the left of the brigade, and while 
standing on the brink of the mine was struck by a ball in the leg and carried 
from the field. His leg was amputated, and, contrary to his desire, he was 
removed within less than three weeks from City Point to Philadelphia, where 
he died the morning after his arrival, on the 22d of August, 1864. His name 
is now borne in this town by Post 75 of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
and he has left a record filled with the gratitude, the pride and the aftection 
of his townsmen, and a name which deserves to be cherished by those who 
shall come after us for generations to come. 

The men, as they shouldered their muskets and left behind them their 
wives and children, must have felt that ihey were consigned to the patriotic 
care of the mother town ; that responsibility was to be shared by those who 
went and those who remained ; and recognizing their responsibility, the town 
voted in 1861 "that the selectmen be instructed to furnish all necessary sup- 
plies for supporting the families of meml^ers of the military formed and form- 
ing in this town, with the undei standing that no person thus assisted shall be 




COL. J. PARKER GOULD. 



HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 87 

taken to the almshouse. That the members of tlie military company recently 
formed be allowed the sum of twenty dollars each per month till the 4th day 
of July next, unless they should be called into active service before that time."' 
Again on June 3d, the town voted "that the selectmen be instructed to make 
all necessary provisions for the families of all persons belonging in town who 
have enlisted for military service."' The patriotic ardor of the citizens which 
prompted them to fill the various quotas of the town continued till the end of 
the war, and the town itself was no less patriotic in encouraging and support- 
ing the men who went to the front. The reverse of 1861 at Bull Run, and 
the small progress made by the Union cause during that year, made it neces- 
sary for the Government to call out the reserve power of the whole North to 
meet the exigences which faced the country in 1862. To a people less cour- 
ageous and determined, the prospect was indeed a gloomy one. No substan- 
tial impression had been made upon the successful progress of the Rebellion, 
and to the faint-hearted it almost seemed as if the fate of the nation was 
sealed. As the historian of future years studies the history of the war, and 
grasps the motives and purposes, and discerns the springs of action which 
furnished ultimate success and victory, he need hardly go beyond the annals 
of a single New England town, and no better representative of the class exists 
than Stoneham. There was no abatement of the demand made upon her 
resources and no faltering in the spirit to meet the demand. On August 26, 
1862, it was voted "to appropriate and pay to the Stoneham Infantry Com- 
pany the sum of forty hundred dollars as a bounty to said Company, provided 
said company of not less than forty men enlist into the service of the United 
States as the town's cjuota, under the call of the President of the United 
States, for three hundred thousand militia to serve nine months, and accepted 
and sworn into said service, said sum to be paid by the selectmen as soon as 
they are sworn in." This was the same organization that had joined the 
Sixth Regiment and marched through Baltimore, though most of the mem- 
bers were new men. The company was officered by Captain Darius N. 
Stevens, First Lieutenant Samuel C. Trull, of Stoneham, and Second Lieu- 
tenant Frederick Cochran, of Alethuen. Forty of the members were from 
Stoneham, and most of the others trom Lawrence and Methuen. They 
became Company C, of the Fiftieth Regiment, Colonel Carlos P. Messer. 
Perhaps in no company from Stoneham were so many old residents represent- 
ed as in this. The beautiful autumn days spent in camp at Boxford, linger as 
delightful memories in the minds of many who were then full of the hopes 
and enthusiasm of youth. The day when they shouldered knapsacks and 
muskets, marched to the train, sped on to Boston, formed in the streets, 
bade adieu to their friends and left the old Boston and Worcester depot for 
Allen's Point in New York b}' way of the Sound, is one never to be forgotten. 
And their arrival at the great metropolis on a cold and dismal morning, 
breakfast at the barracks, camp on Long Island, running of the guard, the 



88 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

evenings in the citv, the embarlcing on the steamer "Niagara" from Brooklyn, 
which spmng a leak and caught fire oiT Delaware breakwater, the trip up the 
river to Philadelphia, its kindnesses and hospitalities, the re-embarking on 
the "Jennie Lind," and the voyage down the Atlantic by way of Fortress 
Monroe and the Gulf of Mexico to the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi, 
and the sail up to New Orleans and Baton Rouge — all these, after a lapse of 
nearlv thirty years, seem like a romance of adventure. The Fiftieth Regi- 
ment was in the command of General Banks, participated in the siege of 
Port Hudson, and formed part of the army, which, in conjunction with Gen- 
eral Grant at Vicksburg, opened the Mississippi. \'icksburg surrendered on 
the 4th of July, 1863, and Port Hudson a few days later. Although Com- 
pany C enlisted for nine months, they were in the service nearly a year, 
arriving home in August, their return being like a triumphal progress from 
Cairo through the West, upon whom were showered the hospitality of an en- 
thusiastic and generous people all along the route. 

About the same time that Co. C of the Fiftieth was being organized, forty- 
two Stoneham men joined the Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiment, Col. 
Maggi. The officers were. Captain James F. Rowe, Captain Hiram P. Mars- 
ton, Lieut. Archeleus Welch, Lieut. Sidney L. Colley and Lieut. Charles H. 
Barry. These men experienced much hard fighting. After being engaged 
in the Battle of Gettysburg they were ordered to the Southwest, participate 
in the battle of Lookout Mountain and joined the army of Gen. Sherman in 
his march to the sea. In 1864 Captain Francis M. Sweetser raised a corn- 
pan) for 100 days, represented by sixty-six Stoneham men. They performed 
garrison duty most of the time in and about Baltimore. Marshall P. Sweet- 
ser was first lieutenant and Moses Downs, Jr., second lieutenant. In Febru- 
ary of the same year twenty-nine other sons of Stoneham joined Col. Gould' 
Fifty-ninth Regiment, passed through the terrible campaign of the Wilder- 
ness and the closing year of the Rebellion. There also appears 189 Stone- 
ham names upon the muster roils of the various regiments, battalions an 
batteries of the State in addition to those already mentioned. Between 400 
and 500 soldiers from the town served during the war, although she wa 
credited with more than 500, from the fact that several of them enlisted more 
than once. Some idea may be formed of the alacrity with which men eniisle 
when it is remembered in the latter part of 1862 Stoneham had already fur- 
nished 269 men, about sixty more than were required of her at that time. 
The following list of those who were killed and died in the service, while not, 
perhaps, complete, is believed to be substantially correct : 



Willhini II. Kichardson, jth Mass. Regt., Co. F (three months), accidentally shot; died July 
7, 1S61. 

George O. lierry and John E. LeClair, 13111 Regt., Co. G, Antietani, September 17, 1862. 
Joseph H. Wheeler, 1st Regt. Heavy Artillery, Petersburg, \'a., Jnne iS, iSt'i^. 



HISTORY OF STONKHAM. 89 

Charles H. Carr, 22d Regt, Co. E, Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1S62. 

Philip O. Buxton, 33d Regt., Co. D, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., October 29, 1S63. 

Wm. Mahan, 33d Regt., Co. D, Gettysburg, July 2, 1S63. 

John Nolan, 33d Regt., Co. D, Dalton, Ga., May 25, 1SO4. 

Leonard S. Whittier, 59th Regt., Co A, Spottsylvania Court-House, May 12, 1S64. 

Jeremiah Murphy, 59th Regt., Co. E, Spottsylvania Court-House, May 12, 1S64. 

DIED IN THE SERVICE. 

William H. Smith, Sth Light Battery, September 11, 1S62. 
John L. Hovcy, 3d Regt. Heavy Artillery, June 11, 1S65. 
Henry Burt, 2d Regt. Mass. Cavalry, June 3, 1S65. 

William JL Heath, surgeon 2d Infantry; died at Chattanooga, August 23, 1S64 
Charles A. Whittier, 13th Regt., Co. G, wounded at Antietam; died at Chambcrsburg, Pa., 
September 27, 1S62. 

Otis W. Pinkham, 33d Regt., Co. D, Brook Station, Va., May 16, 1S63 

Nathan Starbird, 33d Regt., Co. D, Washington, D. C, January 12, 1S63. 

Walter B. G. Gray, 33d Regt., Co. D, al Stoneham, August 23, 1S64. 

Aaron A. Green, 33d Regt., Co. D, at Beverly Ford, Va., June 6, 1S63. 

Joseph LeClair, 33d Regt., Co. D, Resaco, Ga., May 15, 1S64. 

Warren V. B. Tibbetts, 33d Regt., Co. D, Fairfax Court-House, March 15, 1S03. 

Oliver Wheeler, Jr., 33d Regt , Co. D, .Alexandria, Va., Nov. 10, 1S62. 

Hiram George, 59th Regt., Co. F, Danville, ^'a., August 20, 1S64. 

Peter McClusky, 59th Regt., Co. G, Alexandria, \'a., October 10, 1S64. 

John O'Brien, 59th Regt , Co. G, steamer "Baltic," October 16, 1S64. 

Charles Peterson, 59th Regt., Co. G, Readville, Mass., Oct. 23, 1S64. 

Clement Pocket; 59th Regt., Co. G, City Point, Va., August 21, 1S64. 

Samuel L Dodge, ist Co. Sharpshooters, Oct. 19, 1S62. 

Isaac B. Cowdrey, 2d Co. Sharpshooters, Yorktown, Va., April 30, 1S62. 

Geoi-ge W. Young, 2d Co. Sharpshooters. York, Pa., October S 1S62. 

When men sacrificed their all in sacrificing their Hves, it seems almost in- 
vidious to select a few for words of eulogy, unless they occupied exceptional 
positions ; but there were some cases that seemed peculiarly distressing. 
Those who knew Willie Richardson, a bright, active, joyous boy, full of life 
and spirits, the pet of his family and friends, who was the first victim shot by 
the accidental discharge of a revolver, will remember what a sad shock was 
felt by the entire community when the report came of his wound and his 
death, and with what regret and tears he was followed to the grave. And 
then the Whittier brothers — Charles dying from wounds received at Antietam 
in 1862, and Leonard, killed at .Spottsylvania Court-House almost two years 
later — furnish an illustration of what grievous sorrow the war imposed upon 
some house) olds. Both of them upright, promising young men, the two old- 
est sons, who made a record which deserves to be gratefully cherished by 
their townsmen for all time to come, as they shall read of the part taken by 
their town in the "reat events from 1861 to 1865. The illustrious names of 



HISTORY OK STOXEHAM. 9 1 

great leaders live on the pages of history, but patriotism and heroism no less 
worthy of remembrance filled the ranks of the army. Dr. Heath, who was 
surgeon of the Second Massachusetts Infantry, and who died at Chattanooga, 
deserves a lasting memory. Born in Sandwich, New Hampshire, he had 
been located in Stoneham several years, was the first treasurer of the Stone- 
ham Five Cent Savings Bank, had been actively interested as a member of 
the School Committee in the public schools, and was a most useful and pub- 
lic-spirited citizen. Those who knew him and recall his kindly smile and 
genial courtesv must always regret tliat so promising a life should have been 
cut oft in early manhood. 

Returning to i860 and 1861 two important events occurred which materi- 
allv affected the development of the town. Prior to the construction of the 
Boston and Lowell and Boston and Maine Railroads, the public means of 
communication with Boston had been by stage-coach over the Medford and 
Andover Turnpike. After the completion of the Boston and Maine Road, 
which passed through what was then the extreme eastern section of the town, 
Mr. Padilla Beard connected by coaches with the road at the station, now 
known as Melrose Highlands, which was the usual way of going to the city, 
till the Stoneham Street Railroad was built in i860, it being opened in the 
fall of that year. The Stoneham Branch Railroad, connecting with the Bos- 
ton and Lowell at East Woburn (now Montvale), was opened in 1861, as far 
as Farm Hill and completed to Franklin Street, the present terminus of the 
road two years later. 

During the war the vast consumption of the government had stimulated 
great activity in manufacturing, and the impetus carried along a seemingly 
prosperous business in almost all industries till 1871 and "72, when the evil 
effects of a depreciated currency were experienced and a reaction set in. 
These were very successful years in the material development of Stoneham. 
For a time the ratio of increase in population was greater than that of any 
other city or town in the county except Cambridge and Somervllle. The 
men returned home from the war, the factories were filled, business increased, 
and it was an era of unabated prosoerity. The principal industries was the 
manufacture of shoes and the tanning of hides and currying of leather. The 
old-time manufacturers, the fathers of the shoe business, such as George W. 
Dike & Co., Allen Rowe & Co., Warren Sweetser, Alpha Richardson, Darius 
Stevens and Ira Gerr_\\ had most of them either retired from business, or 
ceased to occupy the foremost rank. The old methods were passing away, 
and V, ith them the old concerns. From 1865 to 1870 about the only leading 
establishments with an existence of twenty years behind them were John Hill 
& Co. and William Tidd & Co. It is not designed to give any detailed ac- 
count of the shoe business or of the manufacturers engaged in it ; especially 
there will be no allusion to living men. As a general rule, the faults and 
virtues of the dead can only be cast up and a correct balance struck, but no 



g2 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

complete history of the town during the last fifty years could be written with- 
out some reference to the men who were active in it, for it was their lives 
which largely traced the course of local events. In all frankness let it l)e said 
we were not a people generally of considerable education, or ofhigh intellect- 
ual and social culture, nor were there many citizens of large means. There 
was an absence of what are frequently termed "old families," which gave 
character to many of the most respectable New England towns. On the other 
hand there was general thrift and prosperity, and that ceaseless, active energy 
which in the history of communities so often precedes gentle manners and re- 
finements of life. 

We were a tvpical New England manufacturing town, just emerging from 
the country life of our grandfathers, commencing in a small way, and laying 
the foundations for a larger future. One of Ihc patriarchs of the shoe busi- 
ness was Alpl:a Richardson, commonly known as the Commodore, who orig- 
inally located at the north end of the town, in the Wiley house, at the inter- 
section of Maine, Central and William streets. Here he kept a grocery and 
variety store in the first story, and had a hall in the second story, which was 
the scene of old-time dances and social festivities. Had there been a chron- 
icler in those days to have preseived the reminiscences and stories, told by the 
neighbors collected about the stove in Mr. Richardson's store, he would have 
left a most interesting picture of the times. We can readily imagine the old 
residents coming in on a winter's evening, drawing about the fire and indulg- 
ing in a vein of jovial wit stimulated by occasional potations of East India 
rum. It is almost impossible to realize that this was about the business cen 
tre of the town at one time. Opposite the store lived Dr. Stevens. On the 
corner where W. B. Stevens now resides was the blacksmith-shop. Nearby 
lived Aaron and Squire Peter Hay. At the corner of Central and Elm streets 
was the Burnham Tavern, and not far away the Parsonage. 

Speaking of the Burnham, formerly the Hay Tavern, it was a hostelry, 
patronized very largely by drovers and teamsters before the days of railroads, 
for there was a large amount of travel from New Hampshire and the North 
over the turnpike to Boston, which found this a convenient stopping-place. 
The yard in front of the great barns is said at times to have been white with 
the canvas tops of wagons. Severer notions prevailed in the church then than 
now, in reference to dancing and other social amusements, which at tlie pres- 
ent time, are regarded as quite innocent. Mr. Richardson was a member of 
the church, and was taken to task for the use to which his hall was appropri- 
ated, as appears by the following transcript from the church record : 

"Brethren: Having liad it reported witli apparent truth tliat Brother Alpha Richardson has 
encouraged vain amusements, and feeling such conduct to be a cause of grief to myself as well 
as to others, I visited him the ijth day of February to be assured of facts, and to speak 
to him in a Christian manner as disclosures might justify me. Not having obtained satisfaction 
by seeing him alone, I took with me Brother Peter Green and visited him again on the 24th 
day of June, and by conversation obtained as little satisfaction as at any previous interview. 



HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 



93 



Having thus taken suhstanlially the step laid clown in the Gospel, to ileal [with an oflcnding- 
brother without sjaining him, I now, as a brother offended, tell it to the church for thcni to ex- 
amine and judge about as God may direct them. First, it is ascertained that Bro. Hichardson 
has encouraged vain amusements by providing a room for a dancing party. Secondly, he justi- 
fies himself in doing it and for reasons which are entirety different from those which ought to 
influence (Jhristians. (signed) 

"Stoaeham, July yc Sth, 1S30." "Jabez Lynde." 

"On the foi'egoing communication the churcii voted to send a citation to 
Bro. Alpha Richardson for him to appear before the church at their adjourned 
meeting and exonerate himself from the charges brought against him." A 
report is made that "Bro. Alpha Richardson says he has not anything to do 
with the church nor the church with him respecting his conducting his busi- 
ness." On Julv 20th "Bro. Alpha Richardson came before the church and 
appeared to justify himself in opening his house for balls and dancino- par- 
ties."' "Manifesting no repentance, his connection with the church was 
se\'ered, though he continued ever afterwards to remain a member of the par- 
ish and support the society. Mr. Richardson afterwards removed his busi- 
ness to the building on Main Street, now occupied by Patrick Cogan & Son, 
where he kept a store and manufactured shoes, residing just north of the fac- 
tory till his death, which occurred in 1868. He was a man of kind feelino-s 
and genial disposition, and for many }ears was an active and enterprisino' 
citizen. At the other end of Main Street, at the corner of Marble, was Allen 
Rowe, who for many years manufactured shoes in a part of his house, and 
subsequently, with his son Allen. Jr.. Iniilt quite a large factory and store on 
the spot where Hon. Onslow (nlmore now resides. During middle life he 
was a thrifty and prosperous manufacturer and merchant, though he took no 
very active part in public affairs. Fifty or sixty years ago one of the leading 
citizens and principal business men was Darius Stevens, who was repeatedh- 
entrusted with almost every office within the git't of the town, serving con- 
tinually on important committees and exercising a verv great inHuence in the 
management of public affairs. LU<e many of his contemporaries, he both 
manufactured shoes and kept a store. After his death a short obituary of 
him appeared in one of the local papers, and it was so just and discriminat- 
ing in representing his character that perhaps no better account can I)e given 
of him. 

"Another old resident of the town. .Mr. Darius Stevens, passed awav at 
the ripe old age of eighty-six, yesterday morning, after a life of great useful- 
ness. Th3 second son of Rev. John H. Ste\-ens, he was reared in the stern 
virtues ot early .\ew England industry, economy and strict honestv. Later 
in life, when a prominent manufacturer, which he continued to be for a gen- 
eration, these virtues stood him in good stead, winning the respect and con- 
fidence ot all with whom he came in contact. His fellow-townsmen honored him 
with the important offices of selectman, collector and representative to the 
State Legislature, which duties he discharged with uniform care and fidelity. 



94 HISTORY OF STONEHAM. 

Mr. Stevens took a deep pride in tlie welfare of his native place, and was ac- 
tive in promoting any needed improvement or reform. He lived to see the 
town grow from a small village of five hundred inhabitants to its present size, 
a growth which he largely aided, by erecting a number of stores, dwelling- 
houses, etc. Even to the last was his strong mental power and keen reason- 
ing manifest. A close reader of the leading daily and weekly journals, all the 
doings of the nation and the State were thoroughly familiar to him, and his 
upright views concerning men and their duties refreshing in these days of 
corruption and deceit. Not only was he successful in his public character, 
but unusually happy in his domestic relations ; strongly interested in the 
Orthodox church where his family worshipped, his liberality and earnest 
efforts proved greatly instrumental in completing the present edifice. Kind 
and genial, firm in his convictions, yet with a broad charity for the faults ot 
every one, Mr. Stevens gained the esteem of all. For over three-score years 
he and his aged wife have enjoyed a life of quiet content, seeing their children 
and grandchildren grow up around them. Thus full of years and good report, 
he has closed a well-spent life and entered into his rest, leaving a wide circle 
of descendants to revere his memory." (1878.) 

Looking back thirty-five or forty years, one of the most familiar figures on 
our streets was Warren Sweetser. He, with four of his brothers, had come 
from South Reading when young men and settled in Stoneham, where they 
all passed their lives, and became respected citizens. Mr. Sweetser's factory 
occupied the present site of Chase's Block. Those who remember him in his 
prime, and in town-meeting when answering an opponent, or debating a 
question, will recall the cool, keen, sarcastic style which so often characacter- 
ized him and made him a dangerous antagonist. He was born in the year 
1799 and lived till the age of ninety, retaining complete possession of his 
faculties to extreme old age. Originally he took a radical stand in opposition to 
the anti-slavery agitation, but became an early Republican and an ardent sup- 
porter of Fremont in 1856. A man of well-poised mind and good judgment, 
though of strong prejudices, possessing the old-fashioned New England in- 
tegrity, during the years of his prosperity he earned for himself the respect of 
his townsmen, which followed him to the close of life. 

For many years no two families exercised so wide a local influence as the Hills 
and the Dikes. Each family consisting of several brothers who ordinarily 
stood by each other, was a power in itself; and then each family, in certain 
ways, seemed to be at times at the head of rival factions. The Hills were 
generally Whigs and the Dikes generally Democrats. When a Democratic 
administration was in power, George W. Dike was its local representative 
and postmaster, and when a VVhig administration came in, the same position 
was occupied by John Hill. They largely represented the vigor and strength 
of the town, and were living illustrations of one of the advantages of large 
families. Hon. Geo. W. Dike, son of Jesse Dike, was descended from 



HISTORY OF STONKHAM. 95 

Samuel Holden, an early settler, and was born April 14, 1807. With slight 
opportunities in his boyhood, he commenced life in a small way, beginning 
to manufacture shoes at the age of nineteen, walking to Boston, carrying his 
goods on his back, and returning with stock in the same way. Gradually 
increasing his business, after some years he bought out the store of Ira Gerry 
and formed a co-partnership with John Howard, which continued to the 
death of Mr. Howard, after which he carried on the business of manufacturing 
shoes and keeping a country store till 1848, when he formed a co-partnership 
with his brother, Lyman Dike, under the firm name of Lyman Dike & Com- 
pany, the two brothers remaining together till 1855, when they dissolved. 
During these years they did a very large business manufacturing goods mostly 
for the Southern and Western trade. They built and occupied the shop that 
was afterwards owned by H. H. Mawhinney & Company, on Central Square, 
at the time it was built, the finest and most complete factory in town. After 
the dissolution of Lyman Dike & Company he associated with himself two of 
his sons and two of his sons-in-law, and till 1861 carried on business under 
the style George W. Dike & Sons. Mr. Dike from the time he became a 
voter took a great interest in public affairs, local, state and national. He 
was elected by his fellow-citizens selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, 
highway surve\or, town treasurer, trustee of Public Library, of Lindenwood 
Cemetery, auditor, etc. He was greatly interested in the public schools, 
having served on the school committee twenty-eight years, and was largely 
instnmiental in changing school from mixed to graded ones. He was a 
member of Governor Boutwell's council in 1851, and at one time the 
democratic candidate for congress. He was the leading democrat, 
and always remained true to his political faith, although he furnished two 
sons in the late war, one of whom was Captain John H. Dike. After a long 
life, having enjoyed the prosperity of success and suffered the disappointment 
of reverses he died July 4, 1883, at the age of seventy-six. 

A generation has now passed away since the death of John Hill, but his 
name is still respected as one of the best citizens who ever lived in Stone- 
ham. He is usually spoken of as old John Hill, to distinguish him from his 
Jon, John Hill, Jr. Mr. Hill was born in Reading in 1794, the son of James 
Hill and Mary Holden. Although not born in Stoneham, his ancestors on 
both sides were old Stoneham stock, his paternal ancestors having lived in 
the north part of the town. He was descended on his father's side from that 
James Hill who lived 150 years ago on one of the Charlestown farms. John 
came here with his father when a small child, and lived during his youth at 
the old homestead on Marble Street which his father built, where the Hill 
family were reared. The house is the one owned and occupied by the late 
Lot Sweetser. On arriving at manhood Mr. Hill .settled in the south part of 
the town and built the house opposite the end of Wilson's Lane, the one 
owned by the late Jesse Green. Here he commenced business in an humble 




JOHN HILL. 



HISTOKV OF STOXKHAM. 97 

wav. It is said of him when he went to Boston to sell his shoes and buy his 
stock that he used to hire John Bucknam"s horse, leave it at Charlestown, 
and, to save expense, shoulder his i^oods and take them on his hack over the 
ferrv to the city. .Some years later he moved to what is now Central .Square 
and bought of Reuben ( lear}- the liuilding that afterwards was enlarged into 
the Central House. At that time Mr. Ceary kept a store there. The frame 
of the structure had originally been gotten out by Captain D.ivid (ieary, the 
father of Reuben, who intended to use it for a tavern, and this was the use to 
which Mr. Hill subsequentlv put it, opening there a iniblic-house on Decem- 
ber 31, 1829. He kept it for a few years and then sold out to Benjamin 
(joldsmith, erecting a short time afterwards the house where he subsequently 
lived End died. At first a part of his house was used for business, purposes 
where the stock was cut up, but in 1840 the building was erected on the cor- 
ner of Main and Frankhn Streets which, with the additions afterwards made 
to it, became the extensive factory of John Hill & Co. In 1832 he formed a 
co-partnership with his brother Luther, and in 1844 they took into the firm 
John Hill, Jr. Mr. Hill had also cjuite large interests foi several years in 
pork-packing at Meredocia, Illinois. Some years prior to his death he re- 
tired from active business and passed the remainder of his life in the care of 
his property and the enjoyment of his family and friends. Although he him- 
self retired from business, the old firm name survived under the ir.anagement 
of his son and brother, and for many years during and subsequent to the 
war the new factory of John Hill & Co. was the principal establishment of 
the town. While Mr. Hill did not seek or fill public office so often as many 
others, still he was one of the leading men of his time, and perhaps the most 
prominent leader in the Whig party. Universally loved and respected, he 
died in 1858 in his sixty-fourth year. Those who remember him recall a 
dignified, courteous, old-school gentleman, just such as leaves on boys an 
impression of good manners and a kind heart. Of the manufacturers before 
the war but few survive. 

Perhaps George Cowdrey should be an exception to the rule laid down, 
that no account shall be given of living men, merely for the purpose of pre- 
serving a single fact. Mr. Cowdrey has represented Stoneham in the Gen- 
eral Court eight times and was a member of the House of Representatives 
when Charles Sumner was first elected to the United States Senate. It will 
be remembered Mr. Sumner was supported by a combination of the demo- 
crats and free-soilers. Upon Mr. Cowdrey, who was a democrat, fell the 
task of leading the fusionists, which he did with marked ability and secured 
the victory, so to him and his town is due the credit of having elected the 
great champion of human freedom. 

The oldest concern now in existence in Stoneham, which for fifty years has 
been intimately associated with the industries of the town, is the tannery and 
currying shop of William Tidd & Co. This establishment, with its well- 

7 



qS history of STON'EHAM. 

arranged and extensive plant, employs from 125 to 150 men, and has a ca- 
pacity of tanning 800 and of currying 4000 sides of leather per week. 

The manufacturing interests cf Stoneham at the present time are chiefly 
represented by twenty-one concerns engaged in the manufacture of boots and 
shoes, three in the manufacture of shoe stock, two in leather, one in lasts,^ 
two in boxes and one in the manufacture of drugs and medicines, and these 
establishments turn out goods to the amount of from $3,000,000 to 
$5,000,000 per annum, employing from 1200 to 1500 hands, with an invested 
capital of between $1,000,000, and $2,000,000. 

The Stoneham Five Cent Savings Bank, with a deposit of between $500,- 
000 and $600,000, is the oldest financial institution. It was established in 
1855, with Dr. Wm. H. Heath its first treasurer. Dr. Heath was followed 
by Ira Gerry, the treasurer from 1862 to 1873. Mr. Gerry was a very able 
and conservative financier, and laid the foundation of a strong institution 
which has always enjoyed the absolute confidence of the entire community. 
In 1873 Mr. Gerry was succeeded by Hon. Onslow Gilmore, who from that 
time has been so completely identified with the bank that one seems almost 
the complement of the other. The Stoneham Co-Operative Bank, established 
in 1887, has also met with very substantial success. The Stoneham National 
Bank, with a capital of $50,000, and under the presidency of Charles W. 
Tidd, was opened in March, 1890, and thus far has met with success. The 
present population of Stoneham is 6155. 

It is one of the healthiest towns of the State, with a perfect natural drain- 
age and high elevation, is lighted by electricity and gas, supplied with water 
from Crystal Lake; directly connected with Boston by way of the Sroneham 
Branch and Boston & Lowell Railroad, now leased by the Boston & Maine 
Railroad, and connects with the last road at Melrose Highlands by means of 
the East Middlesex Street Railway. The natural advantages in building 
locations is surpassed by no town in the neighborhood and by few in the 
county. An efibrt is being made to shorten the distrnce to Boston by ex- 
tending the Stoneham Branch to the Fells Station on the Boston & Maine. 
If the project succeeds, the distance to Boston will be nine miles, and it is 
believed almost every inducement will exist to attract a large suburban popu- 
lation. The finest section of Middlesex Fells, embracing Bear Hill and 
Spot Pond, is contained within the limits of the town. The picturesque 
beauties of this sheet of water are not surpassed and hardly equalled oy any 
in Eastern Mas.sachusetts. Those who cherish and love the old town, re- 
membering its humble origin amid the rocks and forests of Charlestown End, 
and recalling the little settlement planted far away from the mother town, 
look forward with confidence to a prosperous future. 

Selectmen. — 1726-27, Captain Benjamin Geary, Capt. John Vinton, Mr. 
Peter Hay, Mr. Timothy Baldwin, Lieut. Tim.othy Wright; 1728, John 
Gould, Daniel Green, Ensign Daniel Gould, Jonathrn Green, Daniel Gould, 



HISTORY OF ST0NI:HAM. 



99 



Jr. ; 1729, Daniel (ireen, John Gould. Sr., Lieut. Daniel Gould, Ensign 
Jonathan Green, Daniel Gould, Jr.; 1730, Daniel (ireen, John Ciould, Sr., 
Danl. (Jould, Sr., Jon. < reen, Danl. (lould, Jr.; 1731, Danl. Green, Capt. 
John Vinton, Lieut. Danl. Gould, Danl. Gould, Jr., Ensign Jon. Green : 1732, 
Capt. John \'inton, John Gould, Sr., Deacon Daniel Gould, Daniel (iould, Jr., 
Peter Hay, Jr. ; 1733, Deacon Daniel Green. Daniel CJould, Jr., Ensign Jon- 
athan Green, Peter Hay, Jr., Timothy Baldwin, Jr. ; 1734, Capt. John Vin- 
ton, Deacon Daniel Gould, Daniel Gould, Jr., Deacon Daniel Green, Peter 
Hay, Jr. ; 1735. John Vinton, Esq., Deacon Daniel Green, Daniel Gould, Jr., 
John Green, Peter Hay. Jr. ; 1736, Daniel Gould, Jr., Daniel Gould, Jona- 
than Green, Peter Hay, Jr., Samuel Sprague ; 1737-38-39, Deacon Daniel 
Gould, Ensign Jonathan Green, Daniel Gould, Jr., Peter Hay, Jr., Samuel 
Sprague; 1740, Daniel Gould, Jr., Ensign Jonathan Green, David (k)uld, 
Edward Bucknam, Thomas Cutler ; 1741, Deacon Daniel Gould, Daniel 
Gould, Jr., Ensign Jonathan Green, Edward Bucknam, Samuel Sprague ; 
1742, Daniel Gould, Jr., Jonathan Green, Daniel Gould, Sr., Thomas Cut- 
ler, Timothy Wright; 1743, Ensign Jonathan Green, Deacon Daniel Gould, 
Daniel Gould. Jr.. Thomas Cutler. Timothy Wright ; 1744, Ensign Jonathan 
Green, Daniel Gould, Jr., Deacon Daniel Gould, Samuel Sprague, David 
Gould; 1745, Daniel Gould, Jr., Thomas Cutler, Timothy Wright, John 
Geary; 1746, Capt. Peter Hay, Deacon Daniel Green, Deacon Daniel Gould, 
Thomas Cutler, Ensign Timothy Wright ; 1747, Cautain Peter Hay, Ensign 
Timothy Wright, Lieutenant Joseph Green, Samuel Sprague. Ebenezer 
Parker; 1748, Ensign Timothy Wright, Edward Bucknam, Thomas 
Cutler, Capt. Peter Hay, Ephraim Brown; 1749, Capt. Peter Hay, Deacon 
Daniel Gould, Elder Daniel Green, Lieut. Daniel Gould, Deacon Jos. Green ; 
1750, Capt. Peter Hay, Elder Samuel Sprague, Ensign Timothy Wright, 
David Gould, Josiah ' Green ; 1751, Capt. Peter Hay, Ensign Timothv 
Wright, Josiah Green, James Hay, Ephriam Brown; 1752, Capt. Peter Hay, 
Ensign Timothy Wright, Josiah Green, James Hay, Jonathan Green ; 1753, 
Capt. Peter Hay, Josiah Green, Jonathan Green, James Hay, Isaac Green; 
1754-55, Capt. Peter Hay, Deacon Daniel Gould, Ensign Timothy Wrio-ht, 
Deacon Jos. Green. Jonathan Green: 1756, Lieut. Daniel Gould, Jr., Capt. 
Peter Hay, John Geary, Josiah Green, Peter Hay, Jr., ; 1757, Capt. Peter 
Hay, Jonathan Lawrence, Ensign Timothy Wright, Jonathan Green, Reuben 
Richardson; 1758, Jonathan Green, James Hay, Deacon Jos. Green, Isaac 
Green, Capt. Peter Hay ; 1759, Ensign Timothy Wright, Capt. Jonathan 
Green, Josiah Green, Lieut. Jas. Hay, Abraham (iould; 1760, Ensign Tim- 
othy Wright, Capt. Jonathan Green, Edward Bucknam, Ensign Samuel 
Sprague, Lieut. Jos. Bryant; 1 761, Ensign Timothy Wright, Capt. Jonathan 
Green, Lieut. Jos. Bryant, Edward Bucknam, Jr., Ensign Samuel Sprague; 
1762, Capt. Peter Hay, Ensign Timothy W'right, Capt. Jonathan Green, 
Lieut. Jos, Bryant, Jos. Knight; 1763-64, Capt. Peter Hay, Ensign Timcthy 

L.ofC. 



IIISTOKV OK S'lONKHA.M. lOI 

Wiiglit. Capt. Jonathan C.iven, Lieut, [as. Hay. Josiaii Green: 1765-66, 
Capt. I'etcr Hay. Ensign Tinioth}- W'l'ight. Capt. Jonathan (]reen, Lieut. 
Samuel .Sprague. Lieut. Jas. Hay: 1767. (iapt. Peter Hay, Ensign Timothy 
Wriglit. Timothy Taylor: 1768. Phisign Timothy Wright, Capt. Jonathan 
Green, Timotlu' Taylor, Lieut. Sanui '1 .Sprague, Jos. Brvant. [r. : 1769, 
Ensign Timothv Wright. Lieut. .Samuel Sprague, Daniel (Jould, Jr.. Daniel 
Green, Edward Ijucknam. Jr.: 1770. CajJt. I'eter Hay, Ensign Tim othv 
Wright. Lieut. Jas. Hay. Peter Hay, Jr., Timothy Taylor: 1771. Timothv 
Taylor, Cai:)t. .Samuel .Sprague, Edward Bucknam, Jr.. Abraham Gould, 
Elisha Knight : 1772. Ensign Timothy Wright. Capt. Peter Hav, Josiah 
Green, Reuben Richardson. Abraham Gould: i 773. Timothv Tavlor. J'hisign 
Jos. Bryant, Daniel Gould, Jr., Daniel Green, John Bucknam: 1774, Timo- 
thy Taylor, Capt. Samuel Sprague, Lieut. Jas. Ha}-, Jas. Hill, Lieut. John 
Geary: 1775, Lieut. Jos. Bryant, Abraham Gould, Jr.. John Bucknam, Dea- 
con Daniel Green. Timoth\' Wright, Jr. : 1776, .Samuel Taylor, Capt. Sam- 
uel Sprague, Timothy Wright, Jr., Daniel Gould. Jr., Peter Hav, Jr. : 1777. 
Capt. Samuel .Sprague, Deacon Daniel Green, Lieut. John Bucknam, Timo- 
thy Wright. Ji-.. Caleb Richardson: 1779. Capt. Samuel .Sprague. Deacon 
Daniel Green, Lieut. John Geary. Lieut. John ]]ucknam, Ebenezer Lawrence : 
1780. Capt. Samuel .Sprague. Tiniothy Wright. Jr.. Oliver Richardson. Peter 
Hay, Jr.. David Hay: 178 i. Capt. -Samuel Sprague, Deacon Edward Buck- 
nam. Deacon Daniel (irefen. Capt. Josiah (^reen. Lieut. John Holden : 1782, 
Cai)t. Samuel Sprague, Deacon Daniel (Ireen, Deacon Edward Bucknam, 
Peter Hay. Jr.. Oliver Richardson: 1783-84, Elisha Knight, Ephriam Brown, 
Lieut. Timothy Wright, David Hay, Elijah Richardson: 1785. Capt. Samuel 
Sprague, Deacon Edward Bucknam, Capt. Peter Hay, Jr.: 1786, Capt. 
Samuel Sprague, Deacon Edward Bucknam, Capt. Josiah Green. Lieut. Tim- 
othy Wright. Ephraim Brown: 1787, Lieut. John Bucknam, Epliraim Brown. 
Capt. Peter Ha\-. Jr.. Capt. Josiah (Jreen. Capt. .Samuel Sprague; 1788-89, 
Capt. Jonathan Green, Capt. Abraham Gould, Cr.pt. Samuel Sprague, Capt. 
David Hay, Thaddeu.s Richardson; 1790. Captain Jonathan Green, Capt. 
Peter Hay, Jr., Col. Jos. Bryant, Lieut. John Bucknam. Capt. David Geary, 
1 79 1, Jos. Bryant, Esq., Capt. Jonathan Green, Capt. Josiah Green. Capt. 
David Hay, Capt. David Cieary : 1792, Col. Jos. Bryant, Jas. Hill, Capt. 
Peter Hay, Ephraim Brown, Caleb Richardson; 1793, Jos. Bryant, Esq., 
Capt. Peter Hay, Ephraim Brown. Capt. David Hay. Thaddeus Richardson; 
1794, Capt. Jonathan (ireen, Capt. Peter Hay, Capt. David Geary, Lieut. 
John (ieary, Jas. Hill, Jr., ; 1795, Capt. Jonathan (ireen. Captain Peter 
Hay, Oliver Richardson, Capt. David Hay, Capt. David (ieary; 1796, Eph- 
raim Brown, Capt. Peter Hay, Jas. Hill, Capt. Daniel Green, Ephraim Pierce; 
1797, Jas. Hill, Capt. David (ieary, Jas. Hill, Jr., Ensign Thomas (ireen, 
Daniel Gould, Jr. : 1798, Jas. Hill. Lieut. John Bucknam. Daniel (iould, 
Caleb Richardson, Jr.. Timothy Matthews. Jr. ; 1799. Jas. Hill, Ezra \'in- 



102 HISTORY OF STONEHAAl. 

ton, Timoihv Matthews, Jr., Caleb Richardson, Jr., Peter Hay (3d) ; iSoo, 
Jas. Hill, Timothy Matthews, Capt. David (]eary, Peter Hay, Jr., Capt. 
Daniel (jreen ; i8oi,Jas. Hill, Capt. David Geary, Capt. Daniel Green, 
David Geary, Jr., Phineas Wiley ; 1802, Jas. Hill, Deacon Jabez Lynde, 
Capt. Daniel Green, Ezra Vinton, Lieut. John Bucknam, Jr. ; 1803, James 
Hill. Capt. Peter Hay, Ensign Thomas Green, Ezra Vinton, Lieut. John 
Bucknam, Jr. ; 1804, Jas, Hill, Daniel (iould, Ezra Vinton, Lieut John 
Bucknam, Jr., Peter Hay, Jr. ; 1805, Capt. David (ieary, Daniel (iould, 
Lieut. John Bucknam, Jr., Capt. Daniel Green, Capt. Caleb Richardson, Jr. ; 
i8q6, Capt. Peter Hay, Daniel Gould, Ezra Vinton, Jas. Hill, Jr., IClijah 
Richardson, Jr. ; 1807, C.ipt. Peter Hay, Diniel Gould, Ezra Vinton, Oliver 
Richardson, Jr., Benjamin (ieary; 1808, Daniel Gould, Ezra \'inton, Ben- 
jamin (Jeary, Oliver Richardson, Jr., John Hay Wright; 1809, Daniel (iould, 
Ezra Vinton, Benjamin Geary, John H. Wright, Lieut, Eli Starr; 18 10, En- 
sign Thomas Green, Ensign Peter Hay, Oliver Richardson, Jr., John Hay 
Wright, Lieut. Abraham Hart; 181 1, Daniel Gould, Esq., Benjamin Geary, 
Capt. Daniel Green, Lieut. Abraham Hart, Ephraim Pierce; 1812-13, Dan- 
iel Gould, Escj., Peter Hay (2d), Captain Daniel Green, Ephraim Pierce, 
Peter Green; 1814, Daniel Gould, Esq., Capt. Daniel (]reen, Lieut. JohnH. 
Wright, Capt. Jonathan Hay, Ensign Wm. Richardson; 1815, Capt. Daniel 
Green, John H. Wright, Lieut. William Richardson, Deacon David (ieary, 
Jas. Steele ; 1816-17-18, John H. Wright, Deacon David Geary, Reuben 
Richardson, John Howard, Jesse Green ; 1819, Capt. Daniel Green, Capt. 
Nathaniel Cowdrey, Thomas Gould, Jr., Peter Green, Darius Stevens ; 1820, 
Captain Daniel Green, Captain John H. Wright, Captain Rufus Richardson, 
Darius Stevens, Reuben Geary ; 1821, Captain John H. Wright, Reuben 
Richardson, Reuben Geary; 1822, Reuben Richardson, Thomas Gould, Jr., 
Deacon David Geary; 1823. Thomas Gould, Jr., Deacon David Geary, John 
Howard; 1824, Peter Hay, Esq.. John H. Wright, Deacon David Geary; 
1825, John H. Wright, Deacon David Cieary, Alpha Richardson; 1826, 
John H. Wright, Thomas Gould, Jr., Ephraim Pierce; 1827, Thomas (iould, 
Jr., Ephraim Pierce, Reuben Richardson; 1828, John H. Wright, Thomas 
Gould, Jr., Ephraim Pierce; 1829, John H. Wright, Ephraim Pierce, Darius 
Stevens; 1830, 1831 and 1832, Peter Hay, Esq., Darius Stevens, Capt. John 
H. Wright; 1833, Thos. Gould, Jr., Vincent Rowe, Chas. E.Walker; 1834, 
Darius Stevens, Reuben Richardson, Jr., Ira Gerry; 1835, Peter Hay, Esq., 
Joseph Buck, IraCierry; 1836, Ira Gerry, Benjamin F. Richardson, John 
Wheeler; 1837, Benjamin F. Richardson, Levi Smith, Edward Bucknam; 
1838, John H. Wright, Geo. W. Dike, Edward Bucknam; 1839, Ira Gerry, 
Amasa Farrier, James H. Gould; 1840, Ira Gerry, Benj. F. Richardson, Lot 
Sweetser ; 1841, Benjamin F. Richardson, Luther Hill, Marcus Woodward; 
1842 and 1843, Ira Gerry, Benj. F. Richardson, Luther Hill; 1844, Warren 
Sweetser, Luther Hill, Jos. Buck; 1845. Ira (ierry, B. F. Richardson, Mar- 




REV. JOHN H. STEVENS. (See Page 62.) 



I04 IlISTORV OF STOXKHAM. 

cus Woodward: 1846, IJer.janiin V. Richardson. Ira Hav, James Pierce: 
1847, Ira (ierrv, James Pierce, (leortje Cowdrey : 184S. Pcnj. F. Richard- 
son. Warren Sweetser, Francis Hay: 1849. Darius .Stevens, Josejili Buck, 
Benj. F. Riciiardson (resigned during tlie year), Amasa Fanier: 1850, 
Ama.sa Fanier, Jolm Hill, Jr., (ieo. W. Dil<e ; 185 i. Ira (ierry, Amasa Far- 
rier, Enoch Fuller: 1852. Allen Rowe, Jr., Luther Hill, Ira (ien\-; 1853. Ira 
Gerry, Amasa Farrier, Lyman Dike: 1854, Luther Hill, Samuel Cloon. Daniel 
L. Sprague ; 1855, J. C. Slayton, J. W. Noble, Samuel Pierce: 1856, Amasa 
Farrier, Jes.se Curtis, Joseph B. Kittredge: 1857, Amasa Farriee, Benjamin 
F. Richardson, Jesse Curtis : 1S58, Ira C.erry. Benj. F. Richardson, Jesse 
Curtis, Leander F. Lynde, J. W. Trowbridge: 1859, Thomas J. Melbourne. 
Benjamin F. Richardson, Ceorge W. Dike: i860, Benjamin F. Richardson, 
Franklin Harriman, Lorenzo D. Hawkins; 1861, Jesse Curtis, Franklin Har- 
riman, Albert R. (ireen ; 1862, Benjamin F. Richardson, Jesse Curtis, Henry 
H. French: 1863, John Hill, L. F. Lvnde, Onslow Cilmore : 1864. John 
Hill, L. F. Lyiide, M. L. Morse, (leorge P. French. E. T. Whittier, Albert 
R. Green. Reul)en Richardson: 1865, John Hill, L. F. Lynde, Onslow Ciil- 
more : 1866 and 1867, Onslow <-iilmore, David B. Gerry, Benj. F. Richard- 
son. Jr. : 1868, Jesse Curtis, Benj. F. Richardson, Jr., Amos Hill (2d); 
1869, Amasa Farrier, J. B. Weeks, Jos. W. Osgood; 1870. Amos Hill. J. 
W. O.sgood. Myron j. Ferren ; 187 i. Amos Hill. los. W. O.sgood, Mvron J. 
Ferren ; 1872. 1873 and 1874, Amos Hill, AL J. Feiren, J. B. Sanborn: 1875, 
Amos Hill, Benj. F. Richardson, T. P. Smith: 1876, Jesse Curtis, Jos. W. 
Osgood, Sumner Richardson (2d); 1877, J. C. Chase. Sumner Richardson 
(2d), (ieo. A. Cowdrey ; 1878, Jesse Curtis, Amos Hill, Sumner Richard- 
son (2d): 1879, Amos Hill, Wm. F. Cowdrey, Jos. W. Osgood: 1880, 
Amos Hill. Wm. F. Cowdrey, Sumner Richardson (2d): 1881 and 1882, 
Amos Hill, Lyman Dike, Sumner Richardson (2d) ; 1883 and 1884, Amos 
Hill, Sumner Richardson (2d), Lewis Perry: 1885, Lewis Perry, Sumner 
Richardson (2d), Chas. Buck; 1886, Lewis Perry. Lyman Dike. James H. 
Murphy; 1887, Wm. H. Sprague, James H. Murphy, Leonard P. Benton; 
1888, Jas. E. Whitcher, Wm. D. Byron, Wm. H. Sprague; 1889 and 1890, 
Wm. H. Sprague, Geo. F. Butterfield, Walter .S. Keene. 

Town Clerks. — P^rom 1726 to 1747, inclusive, Daniel Gould, Jr. ; from 
1748 to 1758. inclusive, Jonathan Green: 1759, I'eter Hay, Jr.; from 1760 
to 1769, inclusive, Capt. Jonathan (ireen; from 1770 to 1786, inclusive, 
Edw. Bucknam ; 1787 and 1788, Captain Peter Hay, Jr. : 1789 to 1791, in- 
clusive. Captain Jonathan Green; 1792, Col. Joseph Bryant; 1793, Joseph 
Bryant, Esq. ; 1794 and 1795, Capt. Jonathan Green ; 1797, Peter Hay (2d) : 
1798 and 1799, Caleb Richardson, Jr.: 1800, Peter Hay, Jr. : 1801 and 
1802, David Gerry, Jr.; 1803, Reuben Richardson; 1804. Peter Hay, Jr. ; 
1805, Capt. Caleb Richardson, Jr.; 1806, Elijah Richardson, Jr.; 1807, 
Elijah Hosmer; 1808 to 181 1, inclusive, Oliver Richardson, Jr. : 1812 and 



HISTORY OF STOXKHA.M. lOJ 

1813, I'etcr Hay (2(1): 1814 to 1S38, inclusiNc. John 11. \Vri_niil ; 1829 to 
1833, inclii.si\c. Joseph lUick : 1834-36, Warren Swcetser; 1837-39, Aniasa 
Farrier: 1840 and 1841, Solon Dike: 1842 and 1843, Alfred J. Rlioades 
1844, Amasa F'arrier: 1845. Alonzo N. Lynde : 1846 and 1847, Solon Dike 
1848, Cvrus IIa\-: 1849 to 1852. inclusive. Silas Dean: 1853. John Hill, Jr. 
1854, Chas. lirown : 1855 and 1856, S. N. Richardson: 1857 to 1890. ifi- 
clusi\e, Silas Dean. 

Repkesp;.\t.a.tivi:s to thk General Court. — 1734, Capt. John Vin- 
ton: 1775, Lieut. Joseph l]ryant : 1806, Daniel Gould; 1809, '10 and "12. 
Rev. John H.Stevens: 181 i and 1830, Jabez Lynde: 1816-17, "31 , John 
H. Wright: 1823-24. "32-33, Peter Hay; 1825, Wm. Richardson: 1828-29, 
Darius Stevens: 1834, Charles E. Walker: 1836, Ira Gerry: 1837, Benjamin 
F.Richardson: 1840, Wm. G. Fuller ; 1841, Solon Dike; 1842, William 
Bryant: 1843. Samuel I. Bryant: 1844-50, "51, "52, "83. '84, "85, "86, Geo, 
Cowdrey: 1846, J. Pierce: 1854, A. V. Lynde: 1855-59, J. I'arker Gould; 
1856, S. Tidd; 1857, J. Dike; i860, Lyman Dike; 1861, W. H. Pierce* 
1862, John H. Dike; 1863-65, Leander F. Lynde; 1866, John Kingman; 
1867. John Botume, Jr. ; 1869, Samuel Cloon ; 1870, Samuel C. Trull; 1872- 
j^, Amos Hill; 1875, J"'"'" Best; 1876.77, Onslow Gilmore; 1878. Geo. A. 
Cowdrey; 1879-80, John F. Berry; 1881, C. L. bill; 1882, John W. Spen- 
cer; 18S7-88, Jas. E. Whitcher; 1889-90, Myron J. Ferren. 

SEX.A.TORS.— 1852, Samuel E. S.well ; 1865-66, John Hill; 1883-85, 
Onslow Gilmore. 

Special Colxtv Co.m.mlssioners. — 1838 to 1841, Darius Stevens; 1S41 
to 1844, Ueo. W. Dike; 1890, about twenty years in all, Lyman Dike. 







SURGEON WM. H. HEATH. (See Page 91.) 



Biographical Sketches 



OF 



PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN 



OF STONEHAM. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



PREPARED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK. 





OMj 




Biographical Sketches. 



IRA GERRY. 

Ira Gerry, the youngest son of Captain David and Sarah Richardson Gerry, 
was born in Stoneham, June 29, 1806, and was a descendant in the fifth 
generation from the original settler, Thomas Gerry. Captain Gerry was a 
leading man and kept a public-house on the corner of Central and Winter 
Streets, the old farm comprising a large part of what is now the most thickly 
settled section of the town. Losing his father when he was nine months old, 
he had the good fortune to grow up under the influence of a strong-minded 
and affectionate mother. His early advantages were limited, and he obtained 
only the meagre education afforded by the schools of his native town, and 
yet in after-life he became a man of large information, sound judgment, and 
possessed a well-trained niind. He had barely reached the age of majority 
when, in company with his brother Arad, he opened a store and commenced 
the manufacture of children's shoes, remaining with him. however, only a 
few years on account of his brother's failing health ; after which he continued 
for some years alone, till 1844, when his own physical weakness compelled 
him to close up his business and engage in pursuits which required less con- 
finement and application. About this time "Square" Peter Hay, as he was 
called, died. Mr. Hay for many }'ears had been the principal conveyancer 
of the town, and after his death Mr. Gerry took his place, and gradually ab- 
sorbed almost all the business of this character. The deeds and wills and 
contracts which he wrote during the remainder of his life would have afforded 
a lucrative office practice to a well-established lawyer. In addition to his oc- 
cupation of conveyancer, and a considerable probate business, he engaged in 
fire insurance, and became a sound and prosperous financier. He was re- 
peatedly called to fill almost all offices within the gift of the town ; and at the 
age of thirty was elected a Representative to the General Court. 

When the Stoneham Five Cent Savings Bank was organized he became 
its first pTesident, and, in 1862, its treasurer, which office he held for eleven 



■■' ;■ niSTOltV OK STOXKIIAM. IIj 

years, and uiicIlt his al)lean(l conservative management tlie deposits increased 
from nine thousand to a quarter of a million. 

In financial matters and business iVfr. (ierry was a man of rare judgment 
and sound sense. He was a safe counsellor and trusty friend. But few men 
in an\- community ever enjoyed a more universal confidence of his townsmen, 
which prompted them to constantly seek his advice and entrust to him the 
settlement of their estates. While not inclined to large public benefactions, 
or to much display, he was a man of scrupulous honesty and a lover of jus- 
tice. In politics he was a democrat, though a firm believer in equal rights. 
In the bitter anti-slavery agitation of 1837, notwithstanding his poliLics. he 
demanded for all parties the right of free speech. He v^as a large owner and 
dealer in real estate, inheriting from his father land which afterwards became 
some of the most valuable of the town. Like his brother. Col. Elbridge 
Gerry, he was an ardent sportsman, and from his gun and dog derived 
through life the greater part of his recreation. Such was Mr. Gerry's public 
character, which he bore to his townsmen. Another and a gentler side was 
that which characterized the relations to his family. Marrying, at the age 
of twenty-si.x, Paulina, the daughter of Robert Gerry, he lived with her forty- 
four years, and at his death left to her a memory made beautiful by the af- 
fectionate and indulgent devotion of a lifetime. 

Thoroughl}- conscientious, he combined great natural courage with gentle- 
ness, and possessed feelings sensitive as those of a woman. He was reared a 
Congregationalist, but in mature life became liberal in his views, tolerant of 
the opinions of others and prone to examine all sides of a question impar- 
tially himself. 

When first engaging in business, like most of their contemporaries, he and 
his brother kept a stock of liquor among their goods ; but becoming con- 
vinced of the evils of intemperance, and the dangers attending the sale of 
intoxicating liquors, they closed them out and determined to have no further 
connection with such traffic. 

Mr. Gerry never had any children, and after a long and distressing ill- 
ness he died November 23, 1875, in his seventieth 3-ear, leaving behind him 
the reputation of an able, successful and upright man. 

DR. WILLIAM F. STEVENS. 

Dr. William F. Stevens, the son of Rev. John H. Stevens, was born at 
the parsonage in Stoneham, Jan. 7, 1807. He was the youngest son of 
twelve children, which consisted of four boys and eight girls. His early da\-s 
were spent at home, and he obtained the rudiments of an education in the 
public schools of his native town. Losing his mother at the age of ten, two 
years later he was placed b}- his father in the dry-goods store of a Mr. Fos- 
dick, in Charlestown, wheie he remained two vears. A delicate, sensitive 



J 12 IllSTOKV OF STON'KHA."M. 

hoy, with a constitution api)arcntly fragile, he then lx'i,^in tiie stm<;glc of life 
from \v!:icli tiiere was no cessation till its close. Thrown upon '-is own re- 
-sources at this tender age, he learned habits of industry and close applica- 
tion. Remaining in Charlestown about two \'ears. when he was fifteen he 
■went into the drug store of Dr. Plympton, at Old Cambridge, a more conge- 
nial occupation, continuing there four )ears, studying the nature of medicine 
during his leisure time, and preparing himself for entering college. The con- 
dition of his health was such that he gave up the idea of a college education 
at Harvard, and in 1826 entered the Medical School connected with Dart- 
mouth College, spending his time, when not at Hanover, as a student of Dr. 
Daniel (lOuld, who then lived in Reading. Obtaining his medical diploma, 
he commenced the practice of medicine in Stoneham. before he had quite 
reached the age of twenty-one, where he continued ti) reside, and for over 
fifty years was the good ar.d beloved physician. Devoted! v attached to his 
profession, it absorbed the restless energy of body and mind for a lifetime. 
Law is said to be a jealous mistress. This i?> equah.y true of medicine, and 
she rarely bestows great success upon her disciples unless they serve her with 
.absolute devotion. A more faithful servant never pursued a calling than Dr. 
iStevens. Of a reserved and retiring disposition, he filled but few positions 
•of public trust, nor often did he take an active part in public al^airs. His 
profession demanded all his time and attention. He never would consent to 
have his name used as a candidate for offices of emolument : and yet he was 
greatly interested in public improvements, as appeared when he became a di- 
rector of the Stoneham Branch Railroad, and by bis influence and e.xertion 
contributed so largely to its completion. After his death, a brother physician 
spoke of hini among other things, as follows: "His was one of those rare 
natures which enjoy work for the verv love of it. He did not seem to need 
a holiday, for every day with him was a holy day consecrated to duty. He 
was one of the most conscientious men I ever knew ; manifesting no tavorit- 
ism for either rich or poor, he did the very best he could for all, with a devo- 
tion which never swerved and a zeal which never tired. His skill in diagnosis 
•was e.xtraordinarv. Within the last si.\ months, three cases came to my 
knowledge, where professional experts gave one opinion, and he gave a differ- 
ent one, modestly, but clearly, and in all these he proved ultimately to be 
correct. The solution of one of them occurred on the very day of his death ; 
the other two I was privileged to apprise him of. In nothing was his true 
merit more marked than in the genuine humility which adorned his character. 
Many a time I have been astonished at the depth of this trait ; for he wa.s 
just as ready to follow the advice of a young physician commencing practice, 
as that of one of the magnates of our profession, if convinced he was in the 
right. More than anv man I ever knew, he was guided by our fundamental 
principal of ethics — the welfare of the patient. All else was thrown aside, 
apparently without an elTort — pecuniary interest and reputation — and he was 



liKXiRAI'fiU AL SKf-T( HKS. II3 

ready to brave obloquy and misconception, if the true welfare of the patient 
required the sacrifice. This was partly the secret of the unbounded confi- 
dence reposed in him b\ -^'I -ho kn^w him well enough. He was so upright 
that he almost leanL\l '.) i Ixa .id in all cases where his own interests seemed 
to conflict with those of the patient. 1 never met a man possessed of more 
indomitable courage. Time without number, I have known him to go to see 
patients when any other man would have been in bed, and some of them were 
not half as sick as he himself was. As a man, his manners were refined and 
courteous, more like a gentleman of the old school than we often meet with 
nowadays. Those who did not know him intimately som ■'times fell into the 
error of .supposing him cold and distant, a very great mistake. Under the 
outside crust ran a vein of quiet humor and warm human sympathy. He was 
deeply aifectionate. He loved little children with an intensity which few were 
aware of, for he did not like to make a parade of his feelings. As a citizen 
Dr. Stevens was both public-spirited and liberal.'' 

By nature he was a perfect gentleman, of absolute integrity, a lover of jus- 
tice and virtue, and possessed a delicate refinement of feelings which prompt- 
ed him to treat others with consideration and respect. In his character nat- 
ural humility was combined with great dignity. While his appearance was 
always modest and unassuming, there was something about his bearing that 
would have repelled any offensive familiarity. Pitying and sympathizing with 
the poor and unfortunate, a large portion of his life was spent in their ser- 
vice. But few men in his profe.ssion ever exemplified more of the spirit of 
the Great Master. He seemed to fill the place for which nature designed 
him. People who came into his atmosphere instinctively recognized the 
skillful physician, the wise counsellor and true friend. Beginning his life at a 
time when there was no other physician in the town, his practice gradually 
extended to the neighboring towns, till it became as large and probably larger 
than that of any other country doctor in Middlesex County. He w^as a most 
indefatigable worker, and hardly knew what rest was till the last years of his 
life, when his constitution had become undermined and his body enfeebled 
by the exhausting labors of half a century. After an illness protracted through 
many months, he died on Febmary i6, 1879, in the seventy-third year of his 
age, leaving a memory cherished in many communities and numerous house- 
holds with mingled love and respect. After his death the following poem was 
written of him by Francis Durivage, of New York : 

"No unrxpccted news, and yet it fell 

With mournful resonance— a funeral hnell! 

So good, so true, so gentle and so wise, 

I c nnot write of him with tearless eyes. 

Memory recalls his venerable form, 

Less often seen in sunshine than in storm, .: ■ 

As it appeared beneath the sky's black pall, , ,, 

Through the wild snow and the rain's drenching fall, 

H;lstehing' responsive to our urgent call,' 



114 BIOGR. PHICAL SKETCHES. 

Over my loved one's bed of pain to bend, 

More than the man ot skill — physician, friend! 

Well did he win a pure and spotless name, 

Who might have won— but he disdained it— FAME ! 

For he was master of his sacred art. 

In its full scope and its minutest part, 

But to Ambition's voice he would not yield, 

The humble hero of Life's battle field. 

What is fame worth to him who can secure 

The blessings of the suffering and the poor? 

What academic laurels have the power 

To arch with rainbow hues the parting hour? 

He chose the better part and sank to rest 

Conscious of duty done and trulv blest " 



LUTHKR HILL. 

Luther Hill, son of James and Alary (Holden) Hill, was born in Stone- 
ham, Massachusetts, February 3, 1808. His ancestors were among the eaily 
settlers of New England. Ah. Hill obtained his education in the public 
schools of his native town and at the South Reading (now Wakefield) Acad- 
emy, then in a flourishing condition, with Professor Heath as principal. After 
completing his studies there he taught school for a short time in Stoneham 
and Danvers, Massachusetts, but early devoted his attention to business com- 
mencing the manufacture of shoes at eighteen years of age, with a capital of 
twenty dollars. From this small beginning his business grew to be one of 
the largest in the Stale. In 1832 he formed a partnership with his brother, 
under the firm-name of "John Hill & Co ,"' John Hill, Jr., entering the firm 
in May, 1844. This firm was the first to employ power in the manufacture 
of shoes, using horse-power, then steam, for that purpose. Mr. Hill was 
also the first to apply power to a labor-saving machine or tool in manufactur- 
ing shoes, being the inventor of a aie for stamping out lappets or tongues, a 
great improvement upon the slow process of cutting them out with a knife. 
He then made dies to stamp out vamps, quarters and soles. In 1858 his firm 
erected a large factory, introducing steam as a power. • This application of 
steam-power was the first of a series of wonderful changes in the shoe indus- 
try. Mr. HilFs brain teemed with positive and original conceptions, the re- 
sult of which was the invention of many machines used in the manufacture 
of shoes. Among them the first sole-cutter and counter-skiver machine, 
upon both of which he obtained patents. In 1857 Mr. Hill became inter- 
ested in, and put in practical operation, the first pegging-machine used in 
this country. In 1862 he placed in his factory the first heeling-machine ever 
used, developing it with improvements on which he obtained several valuable 
patents, and he successfully operated it until, with Gordon McKay and others, 
he formed a stock company, known as the McKay Heeling-Machine Associa- 
tion. This machine, with additional patents, is in general use to-day. Mr 




c^/z^ /^^^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 5 

Hill was the first to apply the sewing-machine to the fitting of shoes, and 
later connected it with steam-power. Many of the best and most complicated 
machines used in the manulacture of shoes to-day have sprung from these 
inventions of Mr. Hill. He retired from the firm Nov. 10, 1866, after a suc- 
cessful business career of forty years, bearing with him the love and esteem 
of all with whom he had been associated. 

Throughout his entire life Mr. Hill had the welfare and progress of his 
native town warmly at heart, and was prominently identified with all meas- 
ures for its advancement. He was largely interested in real estate, helped to 
introduce street lighting by gas, and with six others planned and pushed to 
completion the Stoneham Street Railway. His good judgment, progressive 
views and dispassionate manner in debate gave him influence as a citizen. 
His townsmen's appreciation cf these cjualities was shown by his election to 
the office of .selectman, school committee, overseer of the poor and assessor. 
He discharged these duties with the same fidelity, honestv and integritv that 
distinguished his conduct in every relation of life. .Strong in his sense of 
justice and the principle of universal right, he was a warm supporter of Georoe 
Thompson and William Lloyd Garrison, and was among the first to join the 
anti-slaven movement in the da}s when to avow and maintain its principles 
meant almost social ostracism. He was one of the founders of the Unitarian 
Church in Stoneham, and showed the sincerity of his religious faith bv the 
puiity of his daily life. In June, 1840, Mr. Hill was married to Sarah At- 
well Stevens, of Stoneham, daughter of Darius Stevens, and granddauohter 
of the Rev. John H. Stevens, who officiated at the marriage ceremonv. This 
marriage was in all respects a most fortunate and happy one, and in llis home 
the utmost harmony and confidence prevaileel. Mr. Hill was a slrono- advo- 
cate of V. Oman's suffrage. His daughters shared equally with his sons his 
thoughts and wise counsel, and to all he gave the same opportunities for edu- 
cation and usefulness. Mr. Hill was a self-made man in every sense of the 
word ; whatever he achieved in life was due to his own efforts. While he 
was sincere and firm in his convictions, his nature was kindly, his impulses 
generous, and his judgment of others most charitable. He died at his home 
in Stoneham, OctobeVrJi, 1877, leaving- his wife, four sons and four 
daughters. i^'^S- ^;: ■ 



AM ASA FARRIER. 

The name at the head of this article will long be held in the memories and 
hearts of the people of Stoneham. Though not a great man in the sense of 
national recognition and .service ; 1 hough eminence in the eyes of the great world 
was not his portion ; yet, in the virtues which cluster about and form a noble 
manhood, Amasa Farrier was the peer of the greatest. His worth was made 




AMASA FARRIER. 




JOHN FARRIER. 



IlS BIOfiKAl'llICAL SKF/rCHKS. 

up of .ste^liIl;^^ manly acts — .icts, that like his speech, were the offspring of a 
nature, ever\ fibre of which breatlied with honesty and manliness. His wealth 
was in ' haractcr. not in reputation or the estimate placed upon one by others, 
Init in that other, and nobler Lecause higher, attribute of manhood, which is 
made up of what a man is, and not what he ajjpears to be. 

Mr. Farrier, son of Elizabeth ;:nd John, was born in Feterboro', N. H., 
Aug. 2, 1803. While a young man he taught school, afterwards removing 
to Boston, wnere he opened a dry goods store, keeping the same for several 
years. He came to Stoneham in 1838, soon after marrying Miss Cynthia 
Center, of East Wilton, N. II., and entering into business at the old Com- 
modore Richardson store. His tact, thrift, and honest business methods 
commended him to our people, and for abtiut twelve years he was a model 
storekeeper. At this time he was much engaged in surveying, and was held 
in such esteem by his fellow-citizens that he was selected for various town 
offices, in fact, few men have been so often honored by their fellow-citizens 
as Amasa Farrier : and few have proved so deserving, or have brought to 
public office such high character and qualifications as this tyoical American. 
From 1837 to 1839 he was Town Clerk, also in 1844. He w^as Selectman in 
1839-51-56 and 1857 ; and Assessor in 1839-51-57-66-67-69-76 and 1879. 
He was Overseer of the Poor in 1839. Town Treasurer in 1836-37-39-40 
and 1841. Town Collector in 1836-37-39-40 and 1841. School Committee 
in 1837-38 and '44. He was a member of the committee for laying out of 
William Street Cemetery in 1844, and Lindenwood Cemetery in 1862, and 
was elected treasurer of the latter in 1863 and 1864. and in 1868-73-78 and 
1883. 

Only one child was born to this union, a son John, who resided with his 
parents till i860, when he shipped on a merchant vessel bound to Key West, 
being absent nearly one year. In 1861, at the time of the beginning of the 
Civil War, John was 21 years of age, and anxious to enlist, but instead em- 
barked again for a voyage to Key West. Arriving in England the crew of 
the vessel were discharged and cheaper help employed for the balance of the 
voyage. John wrote to his parents giving the facts of the case, saying that 
he should sail in another vessel for his destination, and upon its arrival he 
would again write, but the letter never came, and as year after year rolled by 
with no tidings from the absent one he was at last given up as dead, as yel- 
low fever was raging there at that time. In another place we give his por- 
trait. 

We would call the attention of our young men to the life and character of 
Mr. Amasa Farrier as furnishing the best evidence that, in the race of life, 
earnest effort, backed by that manhood who.se speech and acts possess the 
ring of honesty and genuineness, will always win what all are after, viz : 
Contentment and competency. .Mr. Farrier was comfortably situated in point 




DARIUS STEVENS, (See Page 93.) 



I20 I'.KK.KAI'UKAI. SKKTCHKS. 

of worldlv j^oods, thanks to his industry and habits of thrift. In tiie beau- 
tiful words of I'cjpe, he was — 

"A public man, yet friend lo truth! ol soul sincere, 
In action faithful, and in honor clear; 
Who broke no promise, serv'd no private end. 
Who gained no title, and who lost no friend." 

Mr. Farrier was the founder of our beautiful Lindenwood Cemetery, and 
attended to the duties of a Trustee till within a few days of his death. He 
also took a great interest in the erection and care of the Soldier's Monument 
there. It was he that suggested that Henry Wilson be invited to deliver the 
oration at Us dedication. 

Mr. P'arrier died August 20, 1883, at the age of 80 years. His widow 
now resides at the homestead on Central Street. 



JOSEPH LEED.S. • 

He was the son of Josiah and Anna G. Leeds, and born at Dorchester, 
November 12, 1799. He came to Stoneham when about 21 years of age, 
and established himself in the blacksmith business. He married, June 5U1, 
1823, Eliza, youngest daughter of Capt. David and Sarah R. Cerry. She 
died of lingering consumption Jan. 19, 1824. March 6, 1825, he married 
Betsy, daughter of Stephen and Hannah W. Lynde. She died March 22, 
1826. March 27, 1827, he married Kliza, daughter of Benjamin and Mary 
Lynde. of Maiden. They lived harmoniously together nearly forty-live years, 
united by indissoluble ties of sympathy and affection. He w^as a kind, ten- 
der, provident husband and father, social and domestic in his feelings and a 
dear lover of home. He was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends, 
temperate and moral in his habits, and a trustworthy, e.xemplar\- citizen. By 
industry and economy he accumulated a handsome property. He had a large 
share of the religious element in his nature, and was one of the ibunders of 
the Univensalist .Society in this place, and one of the prominent stockholders 
of the Stoneham Branch Railroad. He v^as a liberal supporter and earnest 
advocate of the doctrine of unlimited salvation. He died Dec. 17. 1871. 



LIKE G()\E. 

Mr. Gove was born in Ware, N. H., April 26, 1804, of Quaker parents 
who died when he was but 10 years of age. Thrown upon his own 
resources he finally learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for sev- 
eral years. At the age of 23 he married and removed to \'ermont, where he 
followed his trade for a time ; he returned to Ware and remained there three 
years; removed to Hancock, N. H., and kept the Hancock Academy board- 
ing house three years. In 1841 he came to vStoneham and engaged in niak- 



liUXiKAl'llICAI, SKKTCHES. 121 

ing shoes, at which occupation he remained eighteen months. Not Hieing 
this employment he went to Lowell and opened a hoot and shoe and dry 
goods store, in which business he remained eleven years. In 1855 he re- 
moved to Woburn, kept a dry goods store one year, then returned to Stone- 
ham, where he remained until his death. On his return to Stoneham he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of shoe boxes, and received a liberal patronage 
from the manufacturers in town. 

During his sojourn in Stoneham he made many sincere friends ; his pleas- 
ant countenance was ever welcome in all circles ; and although possessed of 
strong prejudices, yet his genial nature, his kindness and sympathy for all. 
were a sure passport to the society of all whom he chose for associates, and 
by his sterling honor and integrity he won the confidence and respect of all. 

He had been a Mason for many years, a Knight Templar, and a member 
of Hugh de Payne Commandery of Melrose. Mr. (iove became interested in 
the subject of spiritualism at Lowell in 1S43, ^"-^^ ^^''^■'' ^ member of the Chris- 
tian Union Society in Stoneham several years before his death. 

Politics were not particularly attractive to him, but his sympathies and 
labors were for the oppressed, for the greatest good of the greatest number, 
and for the reformation of all evils, political, moral and social. His motto 
seemed to be, Progression in all things. Whatever course of conduct he 
pursued, it was with a sincere belief of its being the best and noblest. He 
died August 22, 1876. 



J. CLINTOX CHASE. 

J. Clinton Chase, son of Abram and Deborah Chase, was born inDeerfield, 
Centre, N. H,, June 25, 1835, and was 51 years of age at his death, which 
occurred October 28, 1886. 

He received his education in the district schools and at Pittsfield (N. H.) 
Academy, which he left in 1857 and canie to Wakefield, Mass. Mr. Chase 
came to Stoneham in i860 and worked for M. P. Sweetser & Co., grocers, 
in the old store where Chase's Block now stands. In 1862 he purchased the 
business and carried it on until 1864, when his brother, A. Alfred Chase 
went into company with him, under the firm name of Chase Brothers. In 
1874 they built the brick block which bears their name and occupied one of 
the large stores for 16 )ears. Mr. Chase was one of the town's most active 
business men, and was always ready to aid any enterprise in the interest of 
the town, or his fellow citizens. Of a jovial nature, people coming into his 
store were at once attracted to him by his natiual way of winning their friend- 
ship. By his manly disposition and genial kind-hearted nature, he drew 
around him a large circle of friends, both in his public and private life. When 
his death was annoui.ced it sent a gloom throughout the community. 

He was Collector of Taxes in 1867-8-9, and was chairman of the Board of 




J. CLINTON CHASE. 



I'.IOCKAi'illi AL SKiriCllICS. 1 23 

Selectmen in 1X77, and lield various offices of trust in the difterent organi- 
zations of which lie wAs a member. He was a member of Columbian Lodge, 
I. O. O. F., and cf King Cyrus Lodge, F. & A. AL, being a Past iMaster, 
and at the time of his death treasurer of the Lodge. He was <dso a member 
of Hugh de Payne Commandery of Knights Templars, of the Scottish Rites 
of Masonry, and had taken nearly all of the higher degrees. 



DAVID Illl'.lSAKD MK.SSER. 

David Hibbard, sou of Ebenezer and Lydia Messer, was born in Landaft, 
N. H., March 17th, 1820. His fuher was a country shoemaker, and he 
V orked with him, and also at Littleton. 

At the age of nineteen he came to Slonehim, and followed the same occu- 
pation, both in making custom work and cutting, working in a little building 
that stood in rear of the home on Common street, a place of resort well re- 
membered by our older citizens. 

He did not work at the business continuously. For a number of years he 
was a clerk in James A. Green's country store on Main Street, and janitor of 
the Town Hall. He was also a pioneer photographer. His studio was on 
Pleasant Street, on the northerly side in the house that stands first from Cen- 
tral street. 

To our people and those of the surrounding towns he was best known as 
Undertaker Me.sser. As far back as 1843 he engaged in this business. Of 
late years his son Frank H. Messer was associated with him. 

Deceased was very cour ecus and pleas:' nt in his manners, and in the 
house of mourning his care and quiet thoughtfuln \ss was manifested on every 
occasion, lightening the burdens of the sorrowing. 

As a citizen he was greatly respected. From boyhood up he was a hard, 
earnest worker, and did faithfully whatever duties were entrusted to him, and 
fairly won the popularity he held in the community. In his religious views 
he was bro.id ami liberal, and cjuite a firm believer in spiritualism. 

August 1 2th, 1 84 1, Mr. Messer was united in marriage to Martha A. 
Stone, daughter of Aaron Stone, one of the olJ Stoneham families, residing 
corner Franklin and Summer Streets. They were a devoted and affectionate 
couple all through life. 

For over thirty years he resided in the house on Common Street. Here 
all but three of a family of nine children were born. Two daughters and four 
sons are alive: Miss Lura J., Willie W., Frank H.. Walter A., Charles W. 
and .Mrs. Nellie M. Walker of Reading. 

Mr. Messer was the last but one of a family of twelve children, eight boys. 
Mr. Loring Messtr, of Warren, Ohio, is the only living brother. 

Among the Odd Fellows of .Stoneham .Mr. .Messer possessed the warmest 




DAVID HIBBARD MESSER. 



HIOGRAPIIRAI. SKKTCHES. 1^5 

and most sincere friends. He joined Columbian Lodi;;e, No. 29, in 187 1. 
He never aspired to liigli office, init his brother Odd Felh)\vs showed their 
confidence l)y electing him treasurer for several terms. This position he held 
when the lodge bought the property in Central Square. He was a member 
of Columbian Encampment No. 43, and with his wife a member of I'",vergrcen 
Degree Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. He died April 4. 1890. 



JESSE CL'RTIS. 

Jesse Curtis, son of Israel and Phoebe Curtis, was born in Middleton, Ma.ss., 
March 24, 1S16. His boyhood days were spent in that town, and at the age 
of eighteen he came to Stoneham, working for the late Ira Gerry at the shoe 
business, and bearding in his family, afterwards manufacturing shoes on his 
own account. In 1844 he married Miss Helen (Jerry of Maiden, Mass., three 
children were born to them, two of whom still live. His wife died in Janu- 
ary, 1855, and in November of the same year he married Miss Sarah Jane 
Bell, of Boston, Mass. ; to them five children were born, three of them dying 
in infancy. In 1850 he started a dry goods store on Winter Street at his 
late residence, and when Dow's Block was completed he moved his stock 
into one of the stores there, having at that time the largest dry goods store in 
town. 

Perhaps there never lived in any town a man who occupied so many offices 
so long a time, without alienating, in a much larger degree, the friendship 
of fellow-citizens. His first public office was held in 1856, being elected to 
the office of Selectman. Tbe next year he served as Selectman and Assessor, 
and since 1856 he had been elected to the office of Selectman 8 years, held 
the office of Assessor 18 years. Overseer of the Poor 4 years, serving the last 
three years of his life as Chairman of the Board of Assessors. Mr. Curtis 
was one of the war selectmen of Stoneham, serving in '61 and '62. He was 
possessed of sterling principles, and having once .satisfied himself that he was 
right on any point, he could not be induced to swerve. He counted neither 
position nor money in the performance of his duties, and at the frequent sac- 
rifice of both, sustained his honor and retained a conscience void of self- 
offence. 

Mr. Curtis possessed a disposition that easily ripened into friendship, cor- 
dial and genial. He had a large circle of friends among the working class, 
who frequently went to him for counsel or guidance, always to meet with a 
willing assistance. In his religious views he was very broad, being governed 
by a sense of right. Mr. Curtis was never of very robust health, even when 
a young man passing the winter of 1849 in the South for his health, return- 
ing greatly restored. 

Mr. Curtis died August 2, 1882, at the age of 66 years, leaving a wife, 
three daughters and one son. 




JESSE CURTIS. 



H10(iRAI'HK AL SllKTCHES. 



GKORGI-: ALliKRT COWDRKV. 



George Albert, son of George and Emily Cowdrc} , was born in Stoneham, 
Massachusetts, Apri' 9th. 1848. After the usual course in the public schools 
he attended Waitt's Academy at Wakefield, and P'rench's Commercial Col- 
lege, at Boston, graduating there. He early gave his attention to the shoe 
business. He was given employment in the shoe factories of E. P. Dunck- 
lee and William D. IJrackett, Jr.. wlierc he held several positions of respon- 
sibility and trust, until failing health caused him to retire. 

Mr. Cowdrey was elected to the House of Representatives of 1878, serving 
on the Committee on the Liquor Law. He had held the otifices of Selectman 
and Assessor for several years. Mr. Cowdrey was a popular young citizen, 
and esteemed very highly by his acquaintances. He married Caroline A. 
Young of Dorchester, Mass., Nov. 27th, 1872. He died July 12th, 18S1, 
leaving a widow and one son. He was a member of King Cyrus Lodge, 
Free and Accepted Masons. 



EDWARD F. IIUSWELL. 

Edward F. Luswtll, son of Samuel and Susan (Eaton) Buswell, was born 
in Candia, N. H., Novimbtr 17, 1S31. He obtained his education in the 
public schools and at the c^cadeniy. In early life he was employed at shoe- 
making, but hcixing other desires and qu;difications, he taught school in 
his own town and Dunsta.Je, AI.iss., with the utmost satisfaction. He also 
was a master of music and penmanship. April 7, 1857, Mr. Buswell was 
married at East Boston to Miss Clara L. Cass, of Candia, N. H., and on 
the following day tame to Stoneham to reside. 

For several }ears he tollowed with untiring energy the bu.-iness of 
shoemaking, and kuw \\c II what was involved in a hard day"s toil at the 
bench. For his n.;.n\ e.xetptionally good trails of character, among which 
predominated a pleasing and cheerful disposition, he won many friends. Mr. 
Buswell, with Mr. Charles H. Drew, operated the first heeling machines in 
town, being at that time in the employ of John Hill e^ Company. In 
1865 he formed a eo-p;;rtntrship with Mr. Chas. H. Drew, urder the style of 
Drew & Buswell, and they very .successfully conducted the shoe manutiictur- 
ing busi:.ess for fourteen )e;;is. During his business connection with this 
firm he endeared himself to those who served in his employ by his love of 
fair and just treatment, and 1 is socii 1 disposition. Although solicited on 
frequent occasions to accept of town olfices, he alwa)s declined, preferring 
the independence ;'nd cjuiet of private life. Three children were born to him, 
Harry L., Lena May, who passed away March 13, 1871, and Edna Frances. 

Like many other hardy sons of New Hampshire, he was a self made man 
and by his push and business tact, was more than comtbrtably well oft". He 




GEORGE ALBERT COWDREY. 



..(-!- 



',g^ 7^5:^ 







EDWARD F. BUSWELL. 



130 lilOCRAI'HICAL SKETCHES. 

was a member of Waverly Chapter of Melrose, and King Cyrus Lodge, F. 
and A. M., of .Stoneham, and was closely identified with other local socie- 
ties. 

After a brief illness of malignant diphtheria Mr. Buswell died on April 6, 
1879, i" the 48th year of his age, after a life of much usefulness to his fel- 
lowmen. His widow, Mrs. Clara L. IJuswell, resides in a handsome modern 
residence on Main Street. 



EDWARD TUCK WHITTIER. 

Edward T., son of Isaac and Sarah Whittier, was born in Deerfield Cen- 
tre, N. H., August 13th, 1 8 19, and was the sixth child in the family, an only 
brother, Samuel, of Deerfield Centre, N. H., now surviving. His early days 
were spent at home, working on a farm, attending duiing its brief sessions, 
the district school. At the age of sixteen he was enabled to attend Pem- 
broke Academ_\- for two or three terms, and ha\'ing accjuired considerable 
knowledge and ability, taught school for several terms in his native State. 
About the age of nineteen he was induced to come to Stoneham by Wm. G. 
Skinner, the well-known auctioneer of Wakefield ; on his arrival here or soon 
thereafter, he was employed as a teacher in the public schools, and not a few 
mothers ar^d many fathers to-day were under his skilful tuition. About this 
time he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jane Young, and tour sons and 
one daughter were born to them. 

He next tried the business of shoemaking, and after working at the bench 
for two years, it became distasteful to him and he abandoned it. .In 1840 he 
opened a periodical and variety store in the basement of the Universalist 
Church. He was also local agent for the Boston Daily Bee and Herald, eight 
or ten copies of each being requisite at that time to supply the wants of 
his patrons. 

About the year 1856 he purchased the land and building in Central Square 
owned by George W. Dike, and removed his business thereto. In 1858 
the Post Office, which at the time was in the Dike Building (now T. H. 
Jones'), was removed to this store, and at the recommendation of Hon. Geo. 
W. Dike, postmaster, Mr. Whittier was appointed his assistant, which posi- 
tion he held three years. In 1859 he erected a substantial two and a half 
story business block on the vacant lot south of the old building, and again 
removed his business. In 1867 the old building was removed to the rear, 
and the present Whittier Block was erected. 

Mr. Whittier being of a natural literary disposition, and having acquired 
considerable mechanical skill, he purchased in i860 his first installment of 
type, press, and other articles of utility required in a printing office, where- 
with to supply the demand of the community in this direction, only venturing 
in this enterprise on a small scale. The work was executed in a room at the 







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EDWARD TUCK WHITTIER. 



132 HISTOKV OF STOXEHAM. 

rear of the I'ost Office. Success crowned his efforts, liis business increased, 
tiie plant was enlarged, extensive additions of material and presses being 
made during the ten years following. Only the untiring energ\", perseverance 
and business integrity displayed could have accomplished so desirable a result. 

In 1 861, under th:-- administration of President Lincoln, he was appointed 
Postmaster, and held the office until 1872, when his successor was appointed. 
During these years he was called ujjon to fill several offices of trust and re- 
sponsibility, among which were the positions of Selectman, School Commit- 
tee, etc., serving with the same zeal and fidelity that had always characterized 
liis actions in jjrivate life. 

At the breaking out of the war he was a worker for the interests, and a 
strong friend of the Country's defenders, two of his eldest sons, Charles and 
Leonard, whose portraits will be foun:i on page 90, sacrificed their lives. 

March 21, 1870, he issued the first number of the Stoxeh am Amateur. 
The pages were 6.i x g, and were printed singly on a Gordon job press. The 
first six issues of the paper were distributed gratuitously, after wliich a small 
subscription price was charged. The paper was enlarged as demands re- 
quired, four times, and the name was changed in 1876 to the Stoxeham 
IxDEPKXDEXT. At .Mr. Wlutlicr's death the size of the j^aper was 24 x 36. 
For quite a while .Mr. Whittier was the local correspondent of the .Middlesex 
County Journal. In the early stages of his newspaper work he performed 
the writing, composition, etc., being assisted in the mechanical work by his 
two remaining sons, and bv his thrift and industry built up a thri\ing and 
successful business. Liberal in his views and possessing a spirit of charity 
of undoubted genuineness, the coluirns were always open for outspoken ut- 
terances on any cjuestion, whenever required, especially in religious matters. 

For several years he played the organ in the Universalist Church, during 
yiv. Squires" ministry here. For fifteen or twenty years Mr. Whittier occu- 
pied a prominent position in the conimui ity by his strong avowal of spirit- 
ualism. For a number ot years he was I'resident of the Children's Progres- 
sive Lyceum. 

He was a beloved and respected member of Columbian Lodge and Colum- 
bian Encampment, I. O. O, F., serving as Vice-Grand and Treasurer of the 
Lodge for a number of years, being prevented, through ill-health, from pass- 
ing through the chair. He and his son Leonard were charter members of 
Crystal Gem Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars, ?.Ir. Whit- 
tier serving as Worthy Chief Templar for one term. He was also connected 
with various town institutions. 

For many years he had been a great sufferer with asthma, not 
being able to lie down, but getting his rest and sleep while sitting in a chair. 
Six weeks prior to his death he accidentally bruised his leg below the knee, 
it became inflamed, and after a week of careful nursing the wound healed, but 
the foundation of what caused his death was laid, as phlegmonous erysipelas 




DR. WLNTHKOP FLINT STEVENS. 



134 



HISTORY OF STOXEHAM. 



accompanied with suppuration of ihe lliigh, grew out of that sore, and as his 
constitution was completely broken down by asthmatic breathing, it resulted 
in his death at 59 years of age. The funeral services in the Christian Union 
Church were very impressive, being performed by Rev. S. \V. Squires, of 
Franklin, a Universalist. who had also officiated at the funerals of Charles 
and Leonard. Large delegations from Columbian Lodge and Columbian 
Encampment, L O. O. F., were present, and performed the beautiful cere- 
monv at the grave. Out of respect all the places of business were closed 
durinc; the hours of the funeral. 



I)K. WIXTHKOP FLINT STEVENS. 

Dr. Winthrop Flint Stevens, the son of Dr. William F. and Mary Jane 
Gould (Burnham) Stevens, was born at Stoncham, February 5th, 1848. He 
entered Phillips Academy, E.xeter, in 1863, where he fitted for college, and 
entered Dartmouth College in 1865, graduating in 1869. Entering the Har- 
vard Medical School in the autumn of 1869, he attended lectures there for 
three years, taking his medical degree in 1872. In September, 1873, he 
married Helen Maria Curtis. Was appointed by (iov. Robinson Medical 
Examiner in 1885, and held that position until his death. For many years 
he was Town Physician and trustee of the Public Library He died Sept. 
5th, 1890, aged 42 years, leaving a wife and daughter. 

A few brief sentences thus epitomize the story of a life : those who knew 
Winthrop .Stevens will read between the lines those qualities of mind and 
heart that made him what he was. 

As a physician he was widely known and esteemed. He was skilful and 
sympathetic, cheerful himself and in.spiring hope in others. In his ministra- 
tions he never spared himself. During the last two years of his life, he was 
oftentimes sick:;r than the patients he attended, keeping about his work till 
the last call of the day had been made, and returning home prostrated by 
physical exhaustion. As a puljlic official he was faithful in his duties, fearless 
in their discharge, and independent in his opinions. While he was always a 
welcome guest, he cared little for what is recognized as society lite. He was 
jireeminently a family man, finding his chief happiness in the home circle and 
in comradeship of intimate friends. 

There was nothing in his character more conspicuous tiian tlie straight- 
forwardness of his dealings. Whatever object he wished to attain he knew 
no such word as policy, and tolerated no indirectness of approach. He was 
plain spoken without giving offence — perhai)s the rarest of natural gifts. 
There was no doubt of his position on the leading tojiics of the day. He 
was decided in his convictions, and, when called upon, withheld not his tes- 
timony from fear of any possible loss. Above all things he despised shams, 



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CAPT. JAMES HILL GOULD. 



136 I'.KXiRAI'I'K AI. SKFTCHES. 

whether shams in politics, rehgion. or social life: but wliile he cared little 
for the outward semblance of realities, for the realities themselves he had the 
deepest respect and reverence. His business kept him from regular attend- 
ance at church, and the constitution of his mind led him to disregard forms ; 
but he was devout by nature, and had an unquestioning faith in the great 
truths of religion. One can l^ut feel that tliis life of plain duty and single 
faith, cut short in its prime, must find scope for its development in the 
hereafter. 



CAI'T. JAMES HILL GOULD. 

Capt. James H. (iould was Ijorn in Woburn, February 18, 1793, where he 
spent the first eight years of his life. He wrs the son of Thomas (iouldand 
nephew of Jacob Gould, who was murdered for his money, Nov. 25, 1819. 
Mr. Gould possessed a genial disposition : was strictly honest and honorable 
in all his dealings ; ever generous and o]Den-handed to the needy, as many 
can testify : none were allowed to leave his doors hungrv or destitute. He 
possessed the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, taking an active 
part in town affairs, and was several times elected to fill offices within their 
gift, and as Selectman or Assessor he was faithful and just. In military mat- 
ters, when he was a young man he evinced much interest, and for several 
years held the position as Captain of a company of state militia. At one 
time, in the prime of life, lie was engaged in company with a brother-in-law. 
in the manufacture of shoes. By his eneigy, good management and economy 
he succeeded in accumulating a competency of property. 

Mr. Gould was married to Heppzibah Lynde. daughter of Deacon Jabez 
Lynde, one child being the result of this union; they both died several years 
before Mr. (lould, whose death occurred June 14. i87cS. 



WILLIE H. KKHAKOSOX. 

Willie H. Richardson, onlv child of Henrv M. and Emma (',. Richardson 
was born in Stoneham, May 26, 1844. 

He was one of the first to enlist in the defence of his country, joining Co. 
F, 5th Massachusetts Regiment, which left Boston on the 21st day of April. 
1861. 

About the middle of June while the Regiment was encamped at Alexan- 
dria, Va., Willie was one day loading his revolver and accidentally shot him- 
self, the ball entering his breast. Surgical aid was rendered and there was 
good grounds to hope for his recovery, but mortification set in and he died 
two weeks later, July 7, being the first Stoneham soldier whose life was sac- 
rificed. His father on hearing of the accident, went on and was witli him at 
the time of death. 




WILLIE H. RICHARDSON. 



138 bi()(;rafiiical sketches. 

He was a young man of much promise, beloved not only by his friends 
and companions at home, l)ut also b}- the officers and privates of the Regi- 
ment, who spoke of him as a young man of strict moral worth and integrity 
of character, and faithful and energetic in the performance of duty. 



HON. GEO. W. DIKE. 

This eminent and worthy citizen, son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Willey) 
Dike was born in Stoneham, April 14, 1807. 

Mr. Dike was one of our most respected and honored citizens, having 
served the town in almost every office within the gift of his fellow-citizens. 
He had been Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, Highway Surveyor, 
Town Treasurer, School Committee, Trustee of Public Library, Tnistee of 
Lindenwood Cemetery, Auditor, &c. He was Governors Councillor under 
Boutwell. He was also a candidate for Congress about fifty years ago — run- 
ning as a Democrat against the Whig candidate, Daniel P. King, of Danvers. 
For several years he took the census of the children, by request of the School 
Committee, alwa}-s performing the duty efficiently and accurately. 

Mr. Dike was first married in Stoneham May 22, 1828, to Martha Howard 
of Stoneham. Of this union four children were born. Mrs. Dike died Nov. 
19, 1839. He again married in Stoneham April 2, 1840, to Clarissa, widow 
of John Howard. Of this union were two children. She died November 17, 
1846. Mr. Dike was married fcr the third time at Ipswich in Junuary, 1848, 
to Lavinia, S. Fellows of Ipswich. Of this union were two children. The 
widow still survives. 

He commenced business at his father's house on Marble Street, the west 
end of the house standing in Winchester and the east end in Stoneham, 
where he manufactured shoes — carrying his goods to Boston on his back, 
and returning with stock in the same way. He subsequently moved to a 
building which stood on the site now occupied by Mr. Arad Gerry's mansion, 
where he kept an old-fashioned countr\- store, besides manufacturing shoes 
and running the post-office. He then moved to where Holden Bros.' store 
now is, and continued his business, finally moving to the building belonging 
to H. H. Mawhinney on Central Street, which was built ])y him and his 
brother Lyman. 

Mr. Dike held the office of Postmaster under Polk, but lost it when Tay- 
lor came in, Mr. John Hill being then appointed. He was again appointed 
when Taylor went out, and lost it when Buchanan went out of power, Mr. 
Edward T. Whittier being his successor. He was associated on the Board 
of Selectmen with Mr. Thomas'! Melbourne and Mr. B. F. Richardson, in 
1850 and 1851 . 




HON. GEORGE W. DIKE. 



14° HIOGRAl'HICAI, .SK1;TCHK.S. 

Among otluT things he s(ild periodicals and papers, the first daily papers 
sold in town passing tlirougli his hands. A great run was made on the 
Daily Times when it first came out to this town from Boston. He always 
took a live, intelligent interest in politics, and was a life-long Democrat — 
always able to give good reason for his political faith. Nothing delighted 
liim more than to have a good listener, to whom he could retail his battles 
and victories in this warfare. He commenced his political career in Jackson's 
time. Mr. Dike was a prominent and popular Odd Fellow, had pa.ssecl 
through the chair, and was a representative to the drand Lodge. 

Mr. Dike tlied July 5, 1883, aged 76 years. 



]OHS F. I)Oi;k. 

John Frank Dorr, son of John and Martha Dorr, was born in Milton, N. 
H., June 24, 1852. He was educated in the public schools of Charlestown, 
Mass. 

His father died when John was quite young and the latter having only his 
own resources for dependence in life left school at the age of sixteen years 
and went to work in the retail dnig store of John Choate, in Fitchburg, 
where he remained eight or nine years, but was compelled to give up on ac- 
count of ill-health. He took a trip of a few months in the West and then 
accepted a position as travelling salesman tor Gilman Brothers, wholesale 
druggists, Boston, his duties taking him into Maine and Western Massachu- 
setts. While employed by this firm he bought out the drug store of S. S. 
Howland, on Main Street, and also became a partner in a firm in the same 
business in Baldwinsville, Mass. His partner conducted the Baldwinsville 
store and Mr. Dorr engaged a clerk to take charge of the Stoneham business. 
but he continued in the employ of Gilman Brothers, although contemplating 
resigning his position to apply himself to his own enterprises. 

While on a trip for the firm he was taken suddenly ill at Townsend, Mass., 
with typhoid fever. Although in a serious condition lie started immediately 
for Fitchburg, where aftvir a sickness of five weeks he died at the home of his 
.sister, Mrs. John H. Scott. May 6, 1884. 

Mr. Dorr was married in Stoneham, August 10, 1879, to Miss Mary E. 
Thompson, daughter of Jonathan Thompson of this town, and his home was 
here from the time of his marriage until his decease. Two chi Idren were the 
result of their union, a son, James Colby, now deceased, and a daughter. 
Louise Jeannette, who is now living. 

Mr. Dorr v^as intelligent, active and progressive, and had he lived 
would no doubt have been a man of much influenc;" in Stoneham, as he had 
already won the esteem and favor of our people, and an exceDtionally suc- 
cessful business career was predicted for him. 




JOHN FRANK I.ORK. 



142 BKK.RAr'HUAL SKETCHES. 

He was a member of Mt. Roulstone Lodge, 1. O. O. F., and King David 
Encampment, I. O. O. F., both of P'itchl)urg, and an attendant of the Uni- 
tarian Church. 

Since Mr. Dorr's decease tliejbusiness left by iiim in Stoneham has l:)een 
continued by his widow. It has been supervised by lier father who lias had 
the assistance of experienced clerks. 

With admirable foresight in making provision for his family against the 
uncertainty of life, Mr. Dorr provided life insurance which in the event of his 
death might keep his dependent ones from want, and this with what he ac- 
cumulated has enabled his widow to carry forward a pn)lita!)le business and 
enjoy a comfortabe living. 

In 1888 she erected the large building on Main street which is now occu- 
pied on the ground floor by the Post Office and the drug store, the stock of 
which latter she removed from its cjuarters in the Gerry block when the new 
building was completed. 

The second floor is occupied by the Sportsmans" Club, and the upper floor 
bv the Athletic Club. 



4M^ 



STONEHAM TO-DAY. 



The town of Stoneham lies a little west of north from Boston at a dis- 
tance ot 5 1-2 miles for her southern boundary, and about 9 1-2 for her 
northern. Her eastern and western boundai-ies extend in the main along 
two ranges of hills whose general" trend is north and south. Occupying as 
she does these hills, and the diyersitied country between them, considerably 
higher than the surrounding towns, she presents features of 

UXSURPASSIil) ATTRACTIVENESS 

to those who may be seeking|suburban residences. Although the surface is 
eyerywhere broken into hills and^valleys, yet every hill is easily accessible by 
gentle slopes and available and convenient for residences up to its very sum- 
mit. From the tops of many of these hids the 

.AIOST MAG.NTFICEXT VIEWS 

of the surrounding country^opens to the beholder. From the cupola of a 
house on any of these hills, the owner would have an outlook of from 

THREE HUNDRED JTO FI\E HLNDRED SQUARE MILES, 

■\yith views of far distant mountains, and, occasionally, beautiful glimpses of 
the ocean. And yet in most cases he would be only a few minutes walk 
from a railroad station. 

One has only to standon^the^top of Farm Hill to the North, or on any of 
the many elevations on the East extending from Dunckleeville to the site of 
the Langwood Hotel.,near Spot Pond, or on the Bear Hill and Turkey 
Mountain range or Nobility Hill^on the West, to comprehend the truth of 
this statemei:t. 

Sl'OT POND 

in the southern part of the town, discovered, described and named by Gov. 
Winthrop in February, 1632, is the most beautiful water scene in the vicinity 
of Boston. The shores almost all around it are high and dry, and furnish 
ideal sites for suburban residences. 



STONEHAM TO-DAY. I45 

One of the most important considerations for a residential town is the 

QUESTION OF HEALTH, 

and in this respect Stoneham can show an excellent record. Though de- 
pending entirely in this respect upon her elevated position and natural drain- 
age, the only town in the vicinity of Boston that can match her health record 
is Newton. For example, from the report of the Board of Health for 1889, 
the latest one before me, the average number of deaths per one thousand of 
population for the state, is about nineteen. For Woburn it is 17.42, for 
Wakelield, 15.32; Melrose, 15.08; Maiden. 17.30; Arlington, 19.50; and 

STONEHAM, 1 4.36. 

For Xewton it is about the same as for Stoneham. This is a fair sample 
of the record for years, and when the general condition and occupation of 
our people is taken into account, it can only be explained on the ground of 
pure air and freedom from miasma. 

Another point may not be without interest. Two summers ago a gentle- 
man living in one of the towns on our western border, complained to the 
writer that the mosquito pest w^as almost unbearable, yet at the same time in 
Stoneham, trouble from that source was almost unknown. 

THE SUPERIOR CLAIMS OF STONEHAM 

to be a residential town, have been obscured by the lack of desirable railroad 
facilities to Boston. Again and again gentlemen seeking suburban homes 
have visited the town and been charmed by its natural beauties, but have 
gone elsew'here for better railroad accommodations. This objection, how- 
ever, is soon to be removed. 

A new route has been surveyed, and to be constructed the present sum- 
mer, it is hoped, connecting, the present terminus of the Stoneham Branch 
of the Lowell R. R. with the Boston and Maine at the Fells Station in Mel- 
rose — a distance of about three miles. By this link a 

COMPLETE CIRCUIT WILL BE FORMED 

so that trains can be run from Boston via the Lowell R. R., the present 
Stoneham Branch, the new road, and the Boston and Maine back to Boston 
again. The distance to Boston will thus be reduced 

FOUR MILES 

and the number of stops greatly reduced. If the management of the Boston 
and Maine is in wise hands as we must suppose it is, it will be for the inter- 
est of that corporatien to give Stoneham such accommodations as will be 
equal to any around Boston. 

ID 



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6»*iii».y<* ..•>./. '*«**^ -.—--jr *%;-_i_i: -^- -isC' »■ 



CONGFEGATIOXAL CHURCH. 



stoxehajm to-day 



147 



When in' time tlie system is completed by extending tlie new line throiio-h 
to Reading, and by a circuit of electric roads taking in tlie country to the 
westward of Spot Pond and bringing what is known as the Fells region into 
connection with the steam road, every inch of Stoneham will be available for 
suburban residences, and there will no longer be an}- need for those seekino- 
suburban homes, to locate in low. swampy districts. 

The section of the Fells alluded to, lying West of Spot Pond, is one of 
the most beautiful parts of Stoneham. Its charms have led some enthusias- 
tic individuals to agitate a scheme for making it a part of a great Park to be 
known as Middlesex Fells Park, but in the opinion of the writer a better use 
can be made of it by making it available tor pleasant homes. 

At present there is a horse railroad extending east and west through the 
town, connecting with Woburn on the West, and Melrose and places bevond 
on the East. Also there is projected an electric railroad from Wakelield to 
Stoneham. Both of these roads will aid materially in the development of 
the town. 

THE CHURCHES OF STONEHAM 

represent five different denominations, all of them active and aggressive, and 
all of them ready to extend a cordial greeting to strangers, or to new comers 
who may desire a church home. 

The oldest of these churches is the Congregational (Trinitarian) whose 
building occupies a fine plat of ground between Main Street and that part 
of Central Street known as Church Square. 

The present pastor is the Rev. W. W. Sleeper, installed May 15, 1S90. 

It has connected with it a well organized and flourishing Sabbath School. 

Other active organizations connected with this church are the Stevens 
Home Missionary Society, the Benevolent Society, Prayer and Mission Cir- 
cle, Social Circle, Y. P. S. C. E., Junior S. C. E., a Choral Society, and 
other working clubs among the younger members. 



The Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. W. H. Meredith, pastor, stands 
at the north-west corner of Church Square, and is a commodious building. 
always open to every good cause. 

Besides its excellent Sabbath School, it has among its active organizations 
a Ladies' Social Circle, a Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society, a Ladies" Home*'' 
Missionary Society, a Young People's Epworth League, a Junior Epwoith 
League, arid a band of Young Mission Helpers. 

The Unitarian Society, Rev. James H. Whitmore, pastor, has its edifice 
on the east side of Central Street, north of Church Square. The buildino- 
erected in 1869, is of the Gothic style of architecture, finished inside to the 




METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 







r<4mms^ 



^ -— 






STOXHHA.M TO-DAY. 



rafters, and is tasty and convenient in all respects. In addition to its Sab- 
bath School and Senior Bible Class, it has a Ladies' Social Circle, and a 
Young People's Social Union. 



The Baptist Society is at the present writing without a pastor. It occu- 
pies a Chapel east of Church Square, but it is energetic and growing, and is 
making strenuous efforts to build a fine church on south Main Street, 
on a lot already procured for that purpose. The plans for the building have 
been adopted. It is to be of stone, and will be a beautiful addition to the 
public buildings of the town. Besides its Sabbath School it has among its 
working organizations, a Ladies" Benevolent Society, and a Young People's 
Baptist Union. 



The St. Patrick's Catholic Society, Rev. D. J. O'Farrell, pastor, Father 
Ryan, assistant, occupies the largest church edifice in Stoneham. It stands 
on the corner of Central and Pomeworth streets, and is nearly new, having 
been completed in 1888. The Society are taking active steps towards build- 
ing a parochial residence. It has a large Sabbath School. 



Besides these various Churches, the people of Stoneham unite in the sup- 
port of a Young Men's Christian Association, which was first organized in 
1S83. Their present rooms are on Franklin Street, and though not by any 
means ideal accommodations, yet they are pleasant. 

In addition to the main parlor, there is a reading room, and a gymnasium. 
The Ladies' Auxiliary has a parlor and dining-room adjoining. This is a 
society of devoted ladies to whom the Y. M. C. A. owes much for its suc- 
cess. The Association, even with its limited means, is believed to be a great 
infiuence for good in this community. 

The principal officers for 1891 are, of the Association: President, J. B. 
Hawkins; ist Vice President, A. H. Cowdrey, M. D. : 2d Vice President, 
J. S. Lewis; 3d Vice President, F. E. Park, M. D. ; Secretary, G. A. 
Mathews; Treasurer. A. S. Hovey ; Auditor, J. W. ?,IacDonald ; Directors, 
A. W. Tcnney, E. B. White, E. L. Patch; General Secretary, Frank B. 
Robbins. 

Of the Auxiliary : President, Mrs. J. B. Hawkins; ist Vice President, 
Mrs. Clara CoUey : 2d Vice President, Miss Hattie Bryant: 3d \'ice Presi- 
dent, Mrs. S. B. Jones; Secretary, Miss G. A. Richardson; Treasurer, Miss 
Louise D. Eddy; Auditor, Mrs. Mary Patridge ; Advisory Committee, Mrs. 
A. S. Ilovev, Mrs. Sarah Perrv. Mrs. E. B. White. 












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■^ 




ST. I'ATRIC-K-.S CHl'RCH. 



1 52 STOXEHAM TO-DAV. 

STOXEHAM SCHOOLS. 

The citizens of Stoneham have ever evinced a lively interest in their public 
schools, and in consequence of their liberality the schools have been main- 
tained at a high standard, and compare favorably with others throughout the 
State. The proportion of appropriations applied to their support is more 
than one-fourth of the total ta.\ levy, in 1890 the amount set apart for schools 
being g;i6,2oo out of a total appropriation of $60,250 for all departments of 
the town. 

The teachers are earnest in their work, and are an exceedingly capable 
body ot instructors, and a degree of harmony exists among them that consti- 
tutes an important factor in conducing to the generally good condition of the 
schools. A gratifying consecjuence of this, and one which must convince 
reasonable minds cannot fail to be of benefit to the schools, is shown in the 
long-continued service of some of the teachers. The meetings of the Teachers' 
Association are a source of benefit to the teachers, and through them to the 
schools. 

The High School was first put upon an organized basis in 1856. It has 
been fortunate in the principals charged with its care and direction, and has 
been maintained at a high standard, its rank at present comparing well with 
any High School, its reputation being so good that letters are being con- 
stantly received from all pails of the country inquiring as to methods pursued 
in different courses of studv. 

The scho.':l accommodations at present comprise the commodious High 
School building, in which are located the different classes of the High School 
as well as the three classes of the Grammar School and the Central Interme- 
diate; three rooms in the Town House: the North, East and South Schools, 
each in a four-room building, and tlie Wyoming and North Street Schools, 
each containing one room. Although the accommodations are not quite 
adequate to meet the present and ever increasing demand, yet the carrying 
forward to a co'nsummation of the movement to erect a new Town Hall 
building will leave the present Town House, which is now partly occupied by 
the schools, wholly available for school purposes, and thus suppl}' the need 
for more room. 

According to the last school report the total numljer of scholars enrolled 
in all the schools of the town was 1036, of this number s],^ being bo_\s and 
503 girls. The average number belonging was 860, and the average attend- 
ance was 807, or 94 per ce; t., this being an excellent showing. The num- 
ber of children in the town between 5 and 15 years of age was 894. 

A Roll ot Honor is kept of the scholars who are neither absent nor tardy 
for one year or more, and on Feb. i, 1891. Joseph A. Theobald headed the 
roll with ten consecutive years to his credit, while ti^^re v.xre five \ ilh six 
years to their credit, two with five years, three with tour _\ears, ten vith three 
years, and twelve with two years. 



154 STONEHAM TO-I)AV. 

The following list of schools and teachers, with the year in which each of 
the latter began to teach in Stoneham, will be of interest as a matter of 
record : 

High, — James W. McDonald, Principal, 1S76. 
Emma F. Lowd, First Assistant, 1889. 
Lilian E. Downes, Second Assistant, 1889. 
(Grammar, — First Class, Mary L. Lincoui, 1878. 
Second Class. Eva F. Hard, 1859. 
H. Mary Bryant, Assistant, 1890. 
Third Class, Sec. A; Louise D. Eddy, 1889. 
•' •' Sec. B, Ermina Dike, 1881. 

Central Intermediate, — Alice V. Peyton, 1885. 
All of the above being in the High School Building. 
North Intermediate. — Cora E. Green, 1876. 
North Upper Primary, — .Mary V. R. Williams, 1868. 
North Lower Primary, — Sec. A, Alice M. Pierce, 1885. 

Sec. B, Mary F. Livingston, 1887. 
These four being in the North School Building at Farm Hill. 
South Intermediate, — Mary C. Chauncey, 1877. 
•' Upper Primary, — Olive J. Gerry, 1886. 
" Lower Primary, — Sec. A, Lilian V. Boothby, 1886. 
" " " — Sec. B, Susan J. Cochran, 1890. 

These four being in the South School Building on Geiry Street. 
East Intermediate, — Augusta J. McCarty, 1884. 
" Upper Primary, — Lizzie S. Brown, 1886. 
•' Lower Primary, — Sec. A, Nellie R. Wilson, 1884. 
" " Primary. — Sec. B, Alma Johonnot, 1886. 

These four being in the East School Building on Spring Street, corner of 
Washington Street. 

Central L-pper Primary, — Fannie F. Curtis, 1885. 

'• Lower Primary. — Sec. A, Eva G. Jones, 1884. 
" " Primary. — Sec. B, Lizzie S. Parker. 1871. 

These three being in the Town Hall Building. 

Wyoming School, — Susan D. Richardson, 1863, on Pond Street, 

near Spot Pond. 
North Street School, — Nellie B. Cutter. 1889, on North Street, in 
the e.xtreme north part of the town. 
It will be seen by the above record that nine of the teachers have served 
for ten or more years, viz : 

Susan D. Richardson, 28 years. 

Eva F. Hard, 26 years. Elected first in 1859. served to 1866: tlien 
elected 1872 and served to the present time. 



STONEHAM TO-DAY. 155 

.Alary V. R. Williams, 23 years. 
Lizzie S. Parker, 20 years. 
Cora E. Green, 15 years. 
J. W. MacDonalcl, 15 years. 
.Mary C. Chauncey, 14 years. 
Mary L. Lincoln, 13 years. 
Ermina Dike, 10 years. 

Ephraim Cutter, Jr., the elTicient music teacher in the schools, and whose 
resignation in the Spring was felt to be a great loss to the town, was in ser- 
vice for nine years successively, and brought this department of study up to 
a high standard of proficiency. He has been succeeded by H. C. Slack, of 
Boston. 

In the report of the School Committee for 1890 is the following, which is 
worthy of record in these pages as an interesting matter of history : 

"The patriotic feeling which is gratified in seeing the national flag float 
above the school-houses, took possession of the citizens two years ago, and 
it has kept its hold, until at the present time, every school building in town, 
except the Wyoming, is adorned with the stars and stripes. Five flags have 
been thrown to the breeze within the past \ear. The first was raised over the 
North school house, on Washington's birthday, 1S90, and was the gift of 
Mr. Walter S. Keene ; that at the South school house, was presented by 
Mr. Myron J. Fenen. The schools in the Town House are indebted to 
Highland Council, No. 36, O. U. A. M., for their flag, and the North street 
school to .Master William Tidd, a member of the school. The flag of the 
East school was obtained by subscriptions among the citizens, solicited by 
the children." 

The School Committee now having supervision of the schools is composed 
of James B. Hawkins, elected 1879; Amos Hill, elected 1887; Sarah A. 
Lynde, elected 1S76. 

TOW.\ HALL, ETC. 

There are two halls in the town used for purposes of public meetings, ex- 
hibitions, balls and other occasions, viz : The Town Hall and Armory. 

The Town Hall is situated on Central and Tidd streets, fronting toward 
the former, and there is a large common ground between the Town House 
and Central Street. The building is about 40x100 feet, and the hall, which 
is on the second floor, is about 40x80 feet. The seating capacity, including 
the gallery in one end, is nearly 600. The front of the hall is at the rear 
end of the building, and has a platform extending the full width of the room, 
while at the opposite end, at the entrance, are dressing rooms and closets. 
The hall is comfortable, and a few years ago was made quite attractive by 
being newly frescoed. 



STONEHAM TO-DAV. 1 57 

It answers its purpose fairly well, although for town meetings the town has 
wholl}- outgrown its capacit}', as was thoroughly proven at the town meeting 
when the new railroad question was considered, to which many were unable 
to gain entrance. However, it is hoped it will not be far in the future be- 
fore this building will be displaced by a new one, as a committee of leading 
citizens was appointed at the annual town meeting in March last, to take 
into consideration the question of erecting a new Town Hall, and it is be- 
lieved they will report a plan for a large and commodious building, which 
will provide for the Town Library, town offices, a large hall for public and 
town meetings, fire-proof vaults in which to protect the archives of the town, 
and other purposes. 

; The committee consists of Amos Hill, Onslow Gilmore, John W. Spencer, 
Isaac F. Hersam, W. Ward Child, William H. Sprague and Francis K. 
Sweetser, and the names of these gentlemen are a sufficient guarantee that 
the interests of the town will be looked after in the matter, and that a new 
hall will be built as soon as circumstances will permit. 

The present building would then, doubtless, be wholly occupied for school 
purposes, there being three schools now on the first floor. 

In the basement is the lockup. Hook and Ladder Truck House, Hose No. 
2 House and the Boiler Room, where steam is generated for heating the 
school rooms and hall. 

The other hall is the Armory, located at the corner of Flint Avenue and 
Main street. This was built some eight years ago for a rink, during the 
roller skating craze, and was open for skating for about two years when it 
was leased by the town for an armory for Co. H, 6th Regt., Stoneham Light 
Infantry, and it makes an excellent hall for drilling and is let for balls, fairs, 
and such large gatherings as require more room than the Town Hall provides. 
If necessary from i,Soo to 2,000 seats could be placed in the Armory, and 
there ha\e been several occasions when 1500 persons or more have been 
gathered there. The building is about 75 feet wide by 150 feet long. At 
the entrance end are the officers' room, company room and closet room. The 
large hall is decorated with flags and bunting, and a good stage has been 
erected. All the occasions of the company are held here, and it is also used 
for camp-fires, reunions, &c. At the front is a balcony. In the basement 
is a fine banquet hall with permanent tables, cooking range, chairs and all 
other conveniences necessary, and this is also available to the public. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

f As^one of the most interesting and important events in the history of a 
town is the founding of a free public library, it is believed that the readers of 
this work will appreciate as full a narrative of the establishment and progress 
of the Stoneham|Public Library as space will permit, and therefore the most 
important facts[are here presented. 



158 ■ STOXEHAM TO-DAV. 

Previous to the year 1858 the wants of the reading people of Stoneham 
were largely supplied through several private libraries owned by societies, and 
the idea of a free public library was not advanced until the winter of 1858-9, 
when several gentlemen who were interested in the establishment of such an 
institution advocated and spread abroad their sentiments in regard to the 
matter, urging the opinion that a free public library would be of more real 
value to the community than a half-dozen small enterprises of a private char- 
acter. 

This belief gained ground among the people to such an extent that the 
supporters of the movement were encouraged to have the following article 
incorporated into the warrant of the annual town meeting held in March, 
1859: "To see if the town would establish a free public librar\ , and appro- 
priate any money for the same." 

Leading citizens advocated the founding of such an institution, among 
them being J. Parker Gould, Dr. William H. Heath, Lyman Dike, Amos 
Hill (2d), John Hill. William Hurd and others. 

The movement culminated successfully, it being voted, "That a free pub- 
lic library be established for the free use of each citizen who shall become a 
legal voter of Stoneham, and three hundred dollars be granted for that pur- 
pose." 

Trustees were elected to make all necessary arrangements, to purchase 
books, procure a suitable apartment, and formulate rules and regulations for 
the proper management of the new library. The following constituted the 
Board of TiTistees : Lyman Dike, John Hill, William H. Heath. J. Parker 
Gould and William Hurd, three of whom, Messrs. Dike, Hill and Hurd are 
now living. 

A nucleus was soon formed by the generous action of a society called "The 
Social Library Association," which had been established since 1792, which 
voted to loan its entire collection of nearly six hundred volumes, together 
with its fund of one hundred dollars to be held in trust. 

The desire to assist in forming the new library soon spread to other socie- 
ties and "The Young Ladies' Circle"' presented its entire collection of three 
hundred volumes to the Trustees at a meeting held March 17, 1859, and at a 
subsequent meeting "The Philomathean Society," a society connected with 
the High School, contributed ninety volumes. 

To these generous contributions the town and various indi\iduals added 
about five hundred volumes the first year, and the new institution was an 
established success, starting on its second year with a collection of 1470 
volumes. The union of the smaller libraries and the foundation of the pub- 
lic library were mainly due to the efforts of Colonel Lyman Dike and Dr.' 
William H. Heath. 



STOXKHAM TO-I)AV. 



159 



Col. Dike states tliat the first suggestion of a free public library came from 
Dr. Heath. They were riding to Salem together in a carriage, to participate 
in a military parade of the regiment of which Col. Dike was commander, 
Dr. Heath being surgeon on his stalT. On the way. Dr. Heath, who 
was then Secretary of the Social Library Association, proposed that an at- 
tempt be made to unite the several private libraries, and found a free public 
library, and enlist the citizens of the town in the movement. Not long 
after Col. Dike and Dr. Heath set to work to accomplish this and labored 
indefatigably until success crowned their efforts. 

Col. Dike was chairman and one of the purchasing committee of the Board 
of Trustees for thirteen years, and Dr. Heath was Secretary of the Board 
until he went to the war. 

The library was established just before the Legislature passed the Act giv- 
ing permission to towns to tax the citizens for the support of such an insti- 
tution, and is thought to ha\-e been the second free public library founded 
in this State. 

The library was first opened in May, 1859, in a long, narrow room in the 
building on Main Street, just south of Montvale Avenue, owned by Mr. 
James A. Green, and in a portion of which Mr. Green resides. The room 
is situated on the second floor, in the centre of the building, and was built 
for a connection between what constituted two buildings, as is shown by the 
two separate pitched roofs. Here Dr. Heath had his office, but removed 
into adjoining rooms to make way for the new library. These quarters were 
soon outgrown and became inconvenient, and the trustees cast about for 
better accommodations, which were secured above the store of Warren Sweet- 
ser, then located on Main Street on the site of the present Chase Block, on 
the spot now covered by \V. E. Clark's department store. A lease was 
taken for five years and in the summer of 1862 the library was removed to 
the new quarters. That building is still standing on the southerly side of 
Franklin, opposite Fuller street, having been removed there just previous to 
the erection of the Chase block. 

At the end of the five years' lease more room was needed and a lease of 
the present quarters in the Dow building was taken for a term of ten years, 
and there the library was removed in 1867 and has since remained. 

In their report of this removal the tnistees said "the library was removed 
to its present spacious Cjuarters in Dow's building, where there is ample 
room for years to come. From a cramped and inconvenient room it has 
passed into the best location which the town can afford for such a purpose, 
furnishing unsurpassed conveniences to those applying for its benefits." A 
comparison of the present needs of the patrons of the lil)rary with what is 
shown by the above statement, gives forceful evidence that the growth among 
our people of a desire for knowledge and the culture to be obtained from 
good reading, has kept abreast of the. increase in population. The accom- 



l6o STONEHAM TO-DAY. 

modations are now wholly inadequate for the purposes required, and herein 
lies an opportunity for some gentleman of wealth to do for Stoneham what 
Mr. Jonathan B. Winn did for Woburn, present to the town a public library 
building, and thus immortalize his name and erect an everlasting monument 
which shall be a memento of his generosity and interest in the public wel- 
are. 

At each annual meeting the town has voted an appropriation of from one 
hundred to five hundred dollars for the purchase of new books ; also a sum 
sufficient to pay the annual expense of maintaining the library. 

In 1864 "The Agricultural Library" presented its collection of one hundred 
and thirty volumes, and in 1865 Hon. John Hill, then one of the trustees, 
made a generous donation of $230.00 towards the purchase of books. 

In 1866 a catalogue of books in the library, then numbering 2,575, was 
published at an expense of $450.00, and this, with two appendices, served 
the public until 1S78, when the catalogue in present use, compiled by Mr. 
James Peyton, Secretary of the Board of Trustees for six years, was issued, 
the sum of five hundred dollars having been appropriated at the annual town 
meeting in March, 1877, and an additional one hundred dollars at the meet- 
ing in March, 1878. A supplementary catalogue was issued in 1887, 
and as has often as been deemed necessary since that time bulletins have been 
added. 

When the 1878 catalogue was issued there were 5.314 bound volumes 
in the library, while according to the latest statistics, August i, 1890, there 
were 7,629 books and 855 law reports, public documents, magazines, &c. 
This shows an average of nearly 200 new books added per year during the 
twelve years preceding that date. 

There were 1,125 persons who had taken out books during the year from 
August I, 1889, to August I, 1890, the number of volumes taken amounting 
to 22,975, an average of about twenty books each. 

The town has been liberal in her appropriations, and has given little cause 
for complaint in this respect, and in nearly all their annual reports for the 
past twenty-five years the trustees have expressed their gratitude to the citi- 
zens for doing so well. Only twice have they made urgent appeals for more 
money, and their requests were granted. 

The first person selected as librarian was Miss Louisa Rhoades, now Mrs. 
George Trowbridge, who was then a pupil of the High School. She was 
chosen at a meeting of the trustees held April 5, 1859, and served from the 
opening of the library, in May, to about the first of January, 1861, when Mr. 
Henry Poor was chosen and served to July i, 1861. The succeeding libra- 
rians have been as follows: July, 1S61, to March, 1863, Miss Josie Hazard; 
March, 1863, to March, 1864, Miss Imogene A. Rowe; March, 1864, to 
October, 1865, Mrs. Susan S. Poor; October, 1865, to March, 1866, Mrs. 
Augusta Sweetser; March, 1866, to July, 1866, Miss Abbie M. Johnson, 



STOXKIIAM TO-DAY. 



i6i 



(now Mrs. A. Warren St iples) ; July, 1866, to Januiry, 1867, .Miss William- 
ineS. Green, (now Mrs. William 13. .Stevens); January, 1867, to June, 
1867, Miss Sarah J. Dike, (now Mrs. Daniel S. Davis, of Boston) ; June, 

1867, to September, 1867, Mrs. M. H. Boyce ; September, 1867, to March, 

1868, Mrs. Su.san S. Poor; March, 1868, to July, 1868, Mrs. Louise Patten ; 
July, 1868, to October, 1873, Miss Josephine Hazard; .Miss Hazard i.s now 
living in Provid-^nce, R. I. ; October, 1873, to October, 1874, Miss Mary E. 
Hill, (now Mrs. James A. Jones) ; October, 1874, to April, 1875, Miss Ab- 
bie J. Richardson, she having been assistant to Miss Hill; April, 1875, to 
October, 1876, Mrs. .M. Evie Jones, (formerly Miss M. E. Hill) ; October, 
1876, to the present time, Mrs. M. H. Boyce, she having been assistant to 
Mrs. M. E. Jones. Mrs. Boyce has had for assistants Mrs. Silas Dean for 
eight years or more, 1877 to 1885. Mrs. J. Horace Green for over three 
years, and Miss Emma Chubbuck, the present assistant, for about three 
years. 

The salary of the librarian was $50 the first year, and was increased from 
time to time until it reached $2iS'^y Miss Hazard's salary in 1872-73. Since 
Mrs. Boyce has held the position she has received $250 per annum. She 
has been in continuous service for nearly fifteen years as lil)rarian, and for 
one and a half years preceding as assistant. Her efficiency, faithfulness and 
excellent care of the books have been commended by the trustees in nearly 
every annual report. 



One good index of the thrift and enterprise of a town is the condition ot 
its banks. Stoneham has three banks, all in a prosperous condition. 

The Stoneham Five Cent Savings Bank is the oldest of these, and was in- 
corporated in 1855, the present number of incorporators being about fifty. 
Its balance sheet for May i, 1891, shows as follows: 



Mortgage Notes, 
Personal Notes, 
Town, •' 

Municipal Bonds, 
Railroad Bonds, 
Real Estate, 
Bank Stock, 
Expense, 
Cash, 



$197,636.73 

• 17,450.00 
56,000.00 

. 243,000.00 

96.000.00 

3,161.10 

5,000.00 

• 1,753-36 
7,790.90 



$627,792.09 



1 62 



STONEHAM TO-DAV. 



LIABILITIES. 



Deposits, 
Interest, 
Guaranty Fund, 
Profit and Loss, 



?588,436 

15,514 

16,952 

6,888 



$627,792.09 

So carefull_v and discreetly lias this bank, from the first, been managed 
that it has never met with any losses, either from poor investments or from 
dishonesty on the part of its ofiicials. 

The officers for the present year are as follows: President, William B. 
Stevens, Esq. ; Vice Presidents, Wm. G. Fuller, Dr. A. H. Cowdrey ; Clerk 
and Treasurer, Onslow Gilmore ; Trustees, Wm. B. Stevens, Wm. G. Fuller, 
John Steele, Lyman Dike, Arad Gerry, J. W. Spencer, C. C. Dike, F. E. 
Nickerson, Amos Hill, A. H. Cowdrey, Elbridge Gerry, Lsaac Swasey, On- 
slow Gilmore, Charles E. Home, Dexter Bucknam, R. L. Bowser; Investing 
Committee, J. W. Spencer, Arad Gerry, A. H. Cowdrey; Committee to Ex- 
amine Securities, Wm. B. Stevens, Chas. E. Home. 

The bank regularly declares a semi-annual dividend of two per cent. It 
has just moved into new and pleasant rooms in Chase's Block. 



The Stoneham Co-operative Bank was organized and incorporated Jan. 10, 
1887, mainly through the efforts of our young townsman, Wm. B. Snow, 
who was its first secretary. It has had four years of uninterrupted prosperity. 

It has been instrumental in buildmg a considerable number of new houses, 
besides enabling many of our industrious citizens to purchase homes on con,- 
venient terms. 

Its balance sheet for May, 1891, shows as follows: 



Real Estate Loans, 

Share Loans, 

Unpaid Interest, P'remiums and Fines, 

Unpaid Dues, 

*Cash on Hand, 



«55,25o.oo. 
2,150.00 

37-31 

259.00 

3,647.90 

$61,344.21 



Assets by last report. 
Gain in Six Months, 



$48,808.81 
12,535.40 



STONEIIAAI TO-DAV. 



163 



LIABILITIES. 

473 Sliares, Series i, at $58.19, 



69 " 


* 2 * 


' 50.62, 


225 " 


' 3. ' 


' 43-22. 


89 " 


' 4, ' 


' 36-04, 


147 


' 5' ' 


' 29.05, 


126 " 


' 6, ' 


' 25.62, 


192 " 


' 7. ' 


' 18.91, 


247 " 


' 8, ' 


' 12.41, 


387 " 


' 9' ' 


6.10, 



Guarantee, 

Forfeited Share Account, 

Surplus, 

Profit and Loss, 

Advance Dues, 



* At interest, awaiting action of borrowers. 



27,: 



.87 



• 3.492-78 
9,724-50 

• 3.207.56 
4,270.35 

- 3.228.12 
3,630.72 

- 3.065.27 
2,360.70 

$60,503.87 
350.83 

329-13 

7. II 

I I 1.27 

42.00 

$61,344.21 



It declares a semi-annual dividend of three and occasionally three and a 
half per cent. 

Its regular meeting is on the first Tuesday of each montli. 

The following is the present board of officers : J. B. Sanborn. President: 
Sidney A. Hill, Vice President; J. W. MacDonald, Secretary and Treasurer • 
Directors, E. W. Byron, Dr. A. H. Cowdrey, Lyman Dike, Fred Davies, 
Chas. L. (jill, J. B. Hawkins, Amos Hill, W. S. Keene, O. H. Marston, 
J. A. Moulton, Luther White ; Auditors, R. W. Barnstead, William Kelly 
J. A. Stockwell; Attorney, Amos Hill; Finance Committee, Ed. W. Bvron, 
Fred Davies, Sidney Hill; Security Committee, A. H. Cowdrey, Amos Hill 
O. H. Marston. 



The Stoneham National Bank, organized and incorporated in March 
1890, through the enterprise of another young townsman, J. A. Stockwell, 
has been also very successful, and is supplying a long-felt want on the part 
of our business men. Its rooms are also in Chase's Block. 

Its balance sheet for March 21, 1891, the end of its first jear, shows as 
follows : 



Loans, 

U. S. Bonds, . 

Other Stocks and Bonds, 



$118,265.00 

12,500.00 

5,oco.oo 



164 STONEHAM TO-DAY. 

Due from Banks, .... 42,352.53 

Premiums, ..... 2,625.00 

Furniture, ..... 670.00 

Cash, ...... 15,668.09 

U. S. 5 per cent. Fund, .... 562.50 



$197,643.12 



Capital Stock, ..... $50,000.00 

Surplus, ...... 600.00 

Undivided Profits, . . . . 3,378.48 

Circulation, ...... 11,250.00 

Dividend No. i, . . . . . 1,250.00 

Deposits, ...... 131,164.64 



$197,643.12 

The following are its officers: President, Charles W. Tidd ; Vice Presid- 
ent, C. H. Drew; Directors, A. H. Cowdrey, C. H. Brown, C. Fred Buck, 
W. S. Keene, E. F. Sanborn, Wm. B. Stevens; Cashier, Chas. A. Bailey; 
Clerk, Fred Chase. 

STONEHAM BOARD OF TRADE. 

The Stoneham Board of Trade is an outcome of the Stoneham Traders' 
Association, to which it succeeded in November, 1886. 

The Traders' Association was formed in 1876 for the purpose of appoint- 
ing annually in the summer a holiday to be called "Traders' Day." upon 
which day all the merchants and proprietors of mechanical trades would close 
their places of business and take an outing at some popular resort. 

This Association did not include in its membership the manufacturers and 
professional men, and in 1886 it was thought best to extend its scope and 
enlarge its field of usefulness and become of more benefit to the town. 

At a meeting of the A.ssociation the subject was discussed and the secretary 
was instructed to issue notices and send to manufacturers, professional men 
and others inviting them to attend a meeting for the object proposed. 

This meeting was held November 11, 1886, in the Company room of the 
Stoneham Light Infantry, in Dow's building, twenty-six gentlemen being 
present. Captain John F. Berry presided and it was voted to organize a 
Board of Trade immediately. The following were elected as the first board 
of officers : President, James E. Whitcher ; Vice Presidents, Joseph Theo- 
bald, Onslow Gilmore and W. D. Byron; Secretary, R. W. Barnstead; 
Treasurer, R. L. Bowser ; Executive Committee, Lyman Dike, Edwin A. 
Vinton, W. Ward Child, S. P. Finnegan, Winthrop F. Stevens, M. D., and 



STONEHAM TO-DAY. 1 65 

Jason B. Sanborn, with the elective officers. In a short time after its organ- 
ization the roll book of the Board showed a list of seventy members. 

The Traders' Association was at that time dissolved but the Board of 
Trade continued for several years to perform the function for wliich it was 
organized, appointing a "Traders' Day" and making all arrangements for it. 
Like all associations of the kind the Board of Trade has had its prosperity 
and adversity, the attendance at the meetings being so small at times as to 
almost discourage the officers. This caused them, even at the end of the 
first year, to complain, but it was decided to endeavor to arouse the 
members to greater activity. 

The old board of officers we e re-elected at a meeting in December, and a 
celebration of the first anniversary was planned. This was carried out the 
latter part of January, the occa.-^ion being a bancjuet, with speeches and other 
exercises. Members of the W'oburn and Wakefield Boards of Trade and 
leading citizens of Sloneham were present and the affair was very successful. 

The agitation for a new railroad to connect Stoneham with Boston by a 
shorter and quicker route started in the Board of Trade in February, 1888. 
The records show that at a meeting held in that month. Secretary Barnstead 
stated that he had interviewed General Manager Furber of the Boston and 
Maine R. R., in relation to meeting a committee of the Board of Trade to 
discuss the matter of better facilities. Mr. Furber had said that he would 
gladly meet .>uch a committee. 

At that meeting of the Board the following were appointed to confer with 
Mr. Furber: President James E. Whitcher, Secretary R. W. Barnstead, 
Treasurer R. L. Bowser, Dr. A. H. Cowdrey, Jason B. Sanborn, W. D. 
Byron and W. N. Gray. The desire was for a loop road through Stoneham 
to Reading. 

In April or May a conference between the committee and Mr. Furber was 
held at which the latter said he would have the proposed route, which was 
from Medford through Stoneham to Reading, surveyed. 

A committee consisting of Secretary Barnstead, William H. Sprague, S. 
G. Chauncey and J^mes Forrest was chosen May 14 to go to Medford and 
interview citizens of that town in regard to the matter. 

It was found by survey and estimate that it would not be practicable to 
build the road to connect at Medford on account of the great expense. 

After tills the movement slumbered for some time, and there being no 
other c|uestion of importance for the l](xird to consider, interest in it fiagged 
again, and at a meeting January 14, 1889, the past and future of the Board 
were discussed, some thinking best to let the organization die. 

It w^as finally decided to take a new lease of life, and the following were 
elected officers : President, Jason B. Sanborn; Vice Presidents, A. H. Cow- 
drey, M. D., W. N. Gray, W. C. Whitcher: Secretary, R. W. Barnstead; 



1 66 STOXICIIA.M T()-I)AV. 

Treasurer, R. L. Bowser; Executive Committee, W. D. Byron, S. G. 
Chauncey, Frar.k W. Spencer, Wm. H. Sprague, A. S. Hovey, S. A. Hill, 
and the President and Vice President. 

March ii, i8Sg, L. D. Hawkins was invited to address the Board on a 
proposition to build an electric railroad. Gentlemen stood ready, he said, to 
take half the capital stock on a guarantee of six per cent, interest. This road 
would run on the easterly side of Spot l^ond, passing the Hotel Langwood. 

After a debate a committee of three members of the Board and three citi- 
zens, consisting of the following gentlemen, was appointed to take the whole 
matter of better railroad facilities under consideration and rejjort at a future 
meeting of the Board : Members of Board, Dr. A. H. Cowdrey, W. C. 
Whitcher and Wm. H. Sprague ; Citizens, L. D. Hawkins, J.W. MacDonald 
and Wm. B. Stevens, Esq. 

At a meeting March 27, 1889, composed of mcmliers of the Board of 
Trade and citizens, this committee reported a sclieme for a surface steam 
railroad to connect with the Boston and Maine R. R. at Fells Station. This 
would cost $100,000. 

After a long discussion, many prominent gentlemen speaking earnestly in 
favor of such a railroad, a committee of three consisting of Wm. B. Stevens, 
Escp, Dr. A. H. Cowdrey and J. W. MacDonald, was chosen to petition 
the Selectmen to call a town meeting to see if the town would appropriate 
two per cent, of its valuation towards stock in the proposed road. 

L. D. Hawkins, W. Ward Child and C. H. Drew were appointed a com- 
mittee to make a complete survey and ascertain probable land damages, and 
report to the Board. 

O. H. Marston, Sidney A. Hill and J. K. Foster were appointed a com- 
mittee to arrange lor the formation ot a stock company. 

Several other meetings were held and the tenor of all the discussions 
seemed to be that the railroad ought to be pushed, and that if .Stoneham was to 
have .such a road the citizens must assist to build it, and that it would be of 
inestimable benefit to the town when completed. 

At a meeting April 8. 1889, a committee consisting of J. W. MacDonald, 
S. P. Finnegan, Frank W. Spencer and W. N. Gray was appointed to join 
with the survey committee chosen at the March 27th meeting. 

Pending a solution of the railroad problem by the several committees ap- 
pointed the meetings of the Board were thinly attended for more than a year, 
and at a meeting November 19, 1890, only President Sanborn, Secretary 
Barnstead and Frank W. Spencer of the Executive Committee, were present. 
The matter of making no further attempt to keep up the organization was 
seriously considered, but it was finally decided to make up a new list of offi- 
cers, elect them, and see if new life could not be infused into the organiza- 
tion. These three men then proceeded to elect the following: President, 
W. C. Whitcher; Vice Presidents. A. H. Cowdrey, M. D., O. H. Marston 



STONEHAiM TO-OAY. 1 67 

and Joseph Theobald; Secretary, Frank W. Spencer; Treasurer, Sidney A. 
Hill 

Early in the i)resent year it was reported that the railroad committee had 
made a favorable arrangement with the B. & M. R. R. and a call for a meet- 
ing of members of the Board and citizens was issued. It was held on the 
evening of March 16, 1891, and was a notal}le one, about 150 citizens being 
present. President Whitcher presided and \Vm. 15. Stevens, Esq., chair- 
man of the railroad committee, was called upon to make a report. 

He said that after two years work they had made a proposition to the B. 
& M. R. R. by which it was agreed that the branch road from the centre to 
Fells Station, a distance of about three miles, should be built if the town 
would take $50,000 of the stock and sell it to the railroad at a nominal price. 

The company agreed to go to work just as soon as the town raised the 
money and the committee finished bonding necessaiy land, and would build 
a double track road from Fells Station to Gould street, and connect with the 
Stoneham Branch of the Lowell Division, thereby making a circuit road. 
This proposition met with the greatest favor at the meeting and i t was the 
unanimous opinion that the best thing the town could do would be to accejDt 
the offer, and it was voted to have a town meeting called for the purpose. 

This was done, the meeting was held, the Town Hall was crowded, and 
many were unable to gain admission, so great was the interest. A yea and 
nay vote was taken, and the check-list showed that just 700 had voted in 
favor of the town appropriating $50,000 and only five against. It was con- 
sidered the most interesting and important town meeting ever held in Stone- 
ham. 

Although the Board of Trade have credit for the new railroad movement, 
we think that the scheme was devised before the Board of Trade made the 
move before noticed. As long ago as when the class of '89 graduated from 
our High School, they gave an outline map, which was in many respects simi- 
lar to the present outline for the new road, and in this discussion advanced 
the idea which has since taken form. It is needless to say that Class '89 
gathered their material from a thought suggested by their principal and 
teacher, J. W. MacDonald, to whom we are satisfied the greatest credit in 
this movement should be given. 

The Board of Trade is now in a flourishing condition, and bids fair to do 
much more towards the progress of the town, but it may well be proud with 
the laurels won if the new railroad is pushed forward to completion. It is 
now actively engaged in endeavoring to get the citizens of the town who 
do business in Boston to patronize their home post-office that the standard 
may be raised sufficiently to allow of a free mail delivery. 

AL.MSHOLSK. 

The Old Poor Farm, which was bought of Mrs. Elizabeth Cutler in 1826, 



STOXEHAM TO-DAY. 1 69 

was sold to Cornelius Doyle in 1850 or 1851. 

Few changes or improvements were made about the Farm during the inter- 
vening years, as it answered all the purposes of a comfortable home for those 
who were so unfortunate as to be obliged to be taken care of there by the 
town. The only new building of any importance was a barn, which was 
erected in 1841. The old Poor Farm was located in the northeast part of 
the town in the section which was set off to Wakefield in 1889. 

Stoneham has always been solicitous to deal kindly by those within her 
limits who for any cause have become objects of charity, and in no better 
way has she shown this than by choosing for many consecutive years as 
Overseers of the Poor, men fitted both in heart and judgment for that trying 
and important position. 

When it was found that the exigencies of the situation required a more 
commodious almshouse the old house and farm were disposed of and land 
was purchased, and a new house, the one in present use. was erected in 1852. 
The building committee were John Hill, Oliver W. Richardson and Amasa 
Farrier. 

About seventeen acres of land were bought at first, but this has been added 
to until now the Poor Farm is a pleasant tract of about forty acres, situated 
in the northeast portion of the town, upon which, facing Elm Street, but a 
little back, stands the almshouse. 

Not long after this neat structure was built an L was added and a shop 
constructed for the shoemakers in the home, and as a sort of general lounging 
and smoking place, for which latter uses it is at jjresent assigned. Last year 
the house was again enlarged by the addition of a wing 32x34 feet and cap- 
able when fully furnished of accommodating about thirty inmates. The 
superintendent now in charge is Franklin B. Sargent, who is a very efficient 
man. 

The plan of the Overseers is to send to the Almshouse only the older un- 
fortunates, but not children if it can possibly be avoided. 

The present board of Overseers of the Poor consists of W. Ward Child, 
Henry H. French and Deacon Silas Dean. The Eoard has been unbroken 
for over fourteen years, being now in its fifteenth year of continuous service. 

In their report for the year 1890 they closed with these words: "We fee^ 
safe in saying that the town has as good if not the best accommodations for 
her poor of any town in Massachusetts." 

CEMETERIES. 

Stoneham has three public cemeteries. The oldest is the Old Burying 
Ground on Pleasant Street, opposite junction of William. Its occupancy 
dates back to the beginning of the town, though the oldest headstone is 
dated 1728. Here, marked by quaint, old-fashioned stones, are the graves 



1 7° STOXEHA.M TO-DAY. 

of those prominent in tlie early history of Stoneham, whose names have been 
mentioned on a preceding page of this book. 

Covering a pleasant knoll near by is the William Street Cemetery. Neither 
of these cemeteries are now much used. 

Lindenwood Cemetery in the western part of the town, is a beautiful spot. 
It occupies the southern slope of a gentle elevation facing Montvale Avenue. 
Near the entrance on Montvale Avenue stands a neat soldiers' monument, 
and further up on a pretty little knoll on the hillside is a lot dedicated to the 
unknown heroes of the late war. The cemetery contains besides a number 
of fine monuments. 

It is in charge of a committee known as the Trustees of Lindenwood 
Cemetery, who have managed it since it first opened, with such taste and 
judgment as to make it the pride of the town. 

It has lately been enlarged by the addition of several acres on the eastern 
side. 

The present Board of Trustees is as follows : W. Ward Child, C. C. 
Dike, W. B. Stevens, Onslow Gilmore, James Grant. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The newspapers of a town are among her most important institutions, and 
the power of the press is a recognized factor in shaping the course of affairs 
in a community. This was never more recognized than it is today, and 
never so freely conceded. Being almost universally read, the newspaper of 
a town is, therefore, almost universal in its influence. When properly con- 
ducted the newspaper is a progressive force, aiding materially in the mould- 
ing of public opinion, reflecting the ideas of leading minds, giving the con- 
sensus of thought on questions of interest, and thus forwarding the march of 
public progress. The newspaper is of vast importance to the merchant, as 
through it he can communicate with his customers. It also offers a channel 
for conveying information to the people on matters pertaining to the town's 
general welfare which can be furnished in no other way so satisfactorily. The 
influence of a newspaper is felt not only within but far beyond the borders 
of the town where published, to an extent which cannot be estimated, and is 
far from being appreciated. The history of newspaper publication in Stone- 
ham is largely comprehended within the last quarter of a century. Previous 
to that period there had been only one paper as far as known. 

The first newspaper published in the town was TJie Regulator and Middle- 
sex Ad7<ertise?-, which was established early in January, 1840, and lived from 
one to two years. It was quite a pretentious paper for that time, being a 
folio sheet about 18x24 inches, and having five wide columns to the page. It 
was designed to cover a considerable territory, and its advertising patronage 
was from surrounding towns and ISoston. John Willey was publisher and 



172 STOXEHAM TO-DAY. 

proprietor, and his printing office was in the basement of the old tavern, now 
the Central House building, which was then located on the spot where the 
Dow building now stands, and was faced the same, southerly towards the 
scjuare. The subscription price of The Regulator was $1.50 per annum, and 
it was published weekly on Thursday. It was a Whig paper politically and 
supported Harrison in 1840. 



The Stonehain Sentinel was a weekly paper, the publication of which was 
commenced by John L. Parker in 1864, the first number being issued June 
18 of that year. Mr. Parker was at that time publishing the Woburn Toions- 
?nan . 

In order to give the Sentinel more of a local influence it was published 
under the name of E. T. Whittier, who with James Peyton, sent accounts of 
the happenings in the town to Mr. Parker. 

Twelve numbers were issued liy Mr. Parker, when he sold out to Edgar 
Marchant of the Middlesex Joitrnal, published at Woburn. The last number 
of the Sentinel published by Mr. Parker was dated September 2, 1864, soon 
after which he went into the army as a volunteer soldier, having enlisted 
just before disposing of the paper. 

After publishing the Sentinel for nearly three years Mr. Marchant sold the 
plant to H. C. Gra^ , who continued printing the Sentinel in Woburn until 
the year 1870, when he removed to Stoneham and increased his plant, loca- 
ting his office in Hersam\s Building, now the Odd Fellows' Building. 

The business was afterwards removed to Dow"s building, and in 1873, L. 
S. Metcalf became associated in copartnership with Mr. Gray. 

In 1875 Mr. Gray sold his interest in the Sentinel to Mr. Metcalf and re- 
moved to Maiden, where he started the Maiden Mirror. 

Mr. Metcalf com inued the Sentinel until May i. 1876, when it was sold to 
G. A. Kimball & Co. of Worcester. Mr. Metcalf going to New York and en- 
gaging in the publication of a magazine. 

The business under the new firm did not prosper as was anticipated, and 
December 30, 1876, they issued their last number which contained the fol- 
lowing card : 

"We would respectfully give notice to cur patrons that, not having found 
the printing of a local paper in Stoneham a profitable enterprise, we have 
decided to discontinue publishing the Sentinel with this issue, December 30, 
1876. The subscriljcrs who have paid in advance will be supplied with the 
National Sovereign until the expiration of the subscription, arrangements 
having been made witli J. M. Winslow to that end." 

The Sentinel plant was afterwards removed to Melrose, and the Melrose 
Journal started, which is still published. 



174 STONEHAM T( )nAV 

The Stoncham Independent had its origin in and is an outgrowth of the 
Amateur, which was started May 21, 1870, by Edward T. Whittier, who at 
that time had a well established job printing plant. The first number of the 
A/nateiir contained eight small pages, 6x9 inches with two wide columns to 
the page, and was printed upon a quarter medium Gordon press, two pages 
at a time. It started off with a good advertising patronage, and for six weeks 
it was distributed gratis throughout the town. There was a great demand 
for it and the people were continually asking Mr. Whittier why he did not 
increase the size of the paper and charge a subscription price for it. 

By their advice and solicitation he doubled the size at the beginning of the 
seventh week and made it a four page paper, and announced that it would 
be sold for thirty-eight cents for the first six months. It leaped into success 
at once and in a very short time the subscription list numbered over five 
hundred, nearly 100 of those subscribers still being on the list of The Stone- 
ham Independent. His son Frank met with much encouragement in can- 
vassing the town. 

The size of the Amateur was increased several times, a column at a time, 
until it reached seven columns. 

The name was changed to The Stoneham Independent in 1876, and since 
Mr. Whittier"s death, which occurred Dec. 9, 1879, its publication has been 
continued by his sons, F. L. & W. E. Whittier, who were associated with 
him in the office of the paper while he was living. The paper is now foui' 
pages, with nine columns to a page, the subscription price being $1.25 per 
annum, or four cents per copy. 

It is independent in politics and sides with no party or creed, and has a 
a circulation of nearly 1,400. F. L. Whittier is the editor. 

The plant occupies two stories of the L of Whittiers building on the east 
side of Central Scjuare, equipped with a large assortment of type and material, 
and has several fast-running presses for book, newspaper and job printing. 
run by an Otto gas engine. The work turned out from this office is of a high 
standard, and the facilities are such that this firm can successfully compete 
with the city offices in every way. For this reason the firm of F. L. & W. 
E. Whittier is constantly in receiiDt of orders for work. A special feature of 
this olifice is the large amount of society work done and the business and com- 
mercial printing of the manufacturers. 

The success and commendable standing of the lndepe)ident is well known. 



The So7'ereign was an industrial paper, devoted to the interests of the 
Sovereigns of Industry, an association of the laboring classes. Under the 
title of the paper was the motto, "Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty.'' 

It was a six column, four page paper, 15 1-2 x 22 inches to the page, pub- 



STOXEIIAM TODAY. 175 

lishecl weekly, the subscription price being $i.io per year; single copies, 
three cents. J. M. Winslow was editor and manager. 

At the top of the first column, second page, was the notice: "Published 
at Stoneham, Mass., by the Sovereign Publishing Company; Frank A. iMet- 
calf. Clerk, 25 Allston Street, Charlestown, Mass." 

The Sovereign was published in Stoneham less than two years, in 1876-77, 
being printed at first in the Independent office, and afterwards in Charles- 
town. Its columns were mostly devoted to labor matters, some attention 
being paid to local news. 



The Middlesex Leader was a weekly paper, published for a few months in 
1884 by Arthur Fultz. It was printed in the office of the Stoneliam Inde- 
pendent, and was a five column, quarto sheet. 



The Eelectie, a bright little sheet, was issued for the first time in March, 
1877, and continued weekly until October of that year. It was printed in a 
room on one of the upper floors of Dow's building. Henry E. Green was 
the editor and proprietor. After discontinuing the paper, Mr. Green vent to 
Brookline, Mass., to assume a position on the Brookline Chronicle, and was 
later associated in the editorial department of that paper. He now holds a 
responsible position in the printing machinery establishment of Golding & 
Co., Fort Hill Square, Boston. 



The Stoiie/ia/n iVews, published by R. W. Barnstead, on Franklin Street, 
was started in 18S0, the first copy being issued September eleventh of that 
vear. It was purely a business enterprise, Mr. Barnstead having been at 
printing and newspaper work for some time previously in Boston and Cam- 
bridge, and for about seven years in the office of the Amateur and Stoneham 
Independent. It was at first a six-column folio, was enlarged to seven 
columns at the end of the first year, and two years later to eight columns, its 
present size. The subscription price is $1.25 per annum, single copies, three 
cents. It has always been Republican in politics. 



The Stoneliam Enterprise was another sporadic publication, which was 
started in the spring of 1890 by Francis P. Curran, publisher of the Wobiirn 
City Press, in which office the enterprise was printed. It survived only a 
few months, and was discontinued in the fall. 

It was a five-column Cjuarto sheet, 13x20 inches to the page. The local 
news of Stoneham was supplied by Fred Doucette of this town. 



176 STONEHAM TODAY. 



In May, 1S82, Company H, Sixth Regiment, M. V. M., was transfeiTed 
from Milbury, Mass., to this town, and has since been called the Stoneham 
Light Infantry. 

At the first meeting for enlistment, held May 13, twenty-two men signed 
the roll, all of whom belonged in Stoneham. 

Capt. George H. Chaffin. of Grafton, was then in command of the com- 
pany, and retained his commission until September, 1883, when he resigned 
and First Lieut. John F. Berry was elected and commissioned as Captain. 

Captain Berry served for three years. In the summer of 1SS5 he announced 
his intention of resigning his command on account of business, but was 
urgently requested not to do so, and a petition asking him to remain was 
signed by every member of the company and presented to Captain Berry by 
the hand of First Lieutenant S. A. Lawrence. Thus persuaded he agreed to 
continue until after the next muster of the regiment, v/hich he not gOnly did 
but remained for a year longer, going also to muster in command of the com- 
pany in 1886. Captain Berry has carefully preserved this unanimous petition 
from his company not to resign, and prizes it highly. He resigned in Sep- 
tember, 1886, and First Lieutenant Sylvester A. Lawrence was elected and 
commissioned to fill his place. 

Captain Lawrence served until December 6, 1890, when he resigned and was 
succeeded by the present commanding officer. Captain Stanwood G. Sweet- 
ser, who was First Lieutenant when elected. 

After the company was transferred to Stoneham in 1882 they met for drilf 
for a short time in G. A. R. Hall, Whittiers" building, while a hall was being 
put in readiness for them in Dow's Building. In about two months they 
removed to the upper hall of Dow's Building, now occupied by Wamscott 
Tribe, Imp. O. R. M. The company room was the one now occupied as a 
barber shop, on the second floor. 

There they remained about three years when the rink building was leased 
for them by the town and fitted up for an Armory. The accommodatioiis of 
this, the present Armory of tne company, are all that can be desired. The 
drill hall is as good as any to be found outside of the regular State Armories, 
and the officers' and company room in front are convenient and well furnished. 

The building is lighted by electricity, it being also piped for gas which is 
always available in case of emergencies. The members of the company are 
thoroughly pleased with their quarters. 

The citizens of the town have even evinced a lively interest in the company 
and have always visited it in good numbers when in camp, as many as eighty 
visitors being entertained in one day. A past officer of the company gives the 
town great credit when he says : "There is not a town that is always ready 
to take hold and do as much for her military company as the town of Stone- 



STOXEHAM TO-DAY. 



177 



ham."' The members have shown their appreciation of this by attending 
muster with as full ranks as possible, and in keeping the company up to a 
good standard. 

The present commissioned officers are: Captain Stanwood G. Sweetser, 
First Lieutenant Fred F. Green, Second Lieutenant Frank L. Tabbut. 

FIRE DEPARTMEXT. 

Stoneham has ever been as commendably liberal in the matter of protection 
against fires as she has in the support of all her other departments and public 
institutions. As early as 1S34 she purchased a fire engine, the old Phoenix, 
which did some remarkably good work for her time. 

The Phoenix was a hand tub having no suction, and the water was supplied 
to it by buckets or any convenient vessels. The engine would be placed as 
near the fire as possible and a double line of men and boys would form to the 
water source and the buckets, pails, etc.. were then passed along and emptied 
into the engine's tub and then returned to be refilled. It was built bv a 
Mr. Thayer, of Roxbury, and was bought of him as a second-hand engine 
for $250. 

B. F. Richardson was the first Captain and Hoseman of the Phoenix En- 
gine Company and continued as Captain until the town bought a new hand 
engine, the General Worth. 

The Phoenix rendered excellent service for fifteen vears or more, 
and about 185 1 to "53 it was taken to pieces by Mr. Richardson and the 
metal sold. Some of the wood work is still in existence, and Mr. Richard- 
son has one of the old fire buckets which was bought with the engine. 
Mr. Richardson left the fire department when he went to California in 1849. 

After the hook and ladder truck was built and a company formed to man 
it, he became an active member of the company, having returned from Cali- 
fornia several years previously. He was also a Fire Warden, and in 1857, 
when the Fire Deoartment was more thoroughly organized and a Board of 
Fire Engineers established, he was appointed the first Chief Engineer. 

The Phoenix was succeeded by the General Worth, which was bought in 
1849 at a cost of $1,000. This was also a hand tub but was larger than 
the Phoenix and had a suction pipe. It was built for the town by Hunne- 
irian & Co., of Boston. 

The General Worth was a fine engine and answered all the requirements 
■of the town for nearly thirty years, and was continued in service even after 
the steam fire engine. Col. Gould, was purchased. It was sold to the town 
■of Goffstown, N. H., in 1885, for $185. There are many citizens today who 
regret that it was disposed of. The first foreman of the Gen. Worth Com- 
pany was, no doubt, Daniel Gerry, and the last Peter H. Wilkins. 

The second piece of apparatus bought by the town was a hook and ladder 
truck in 1855. This was built by B. F. Richardson and W. Ward Child, 
12 



178 STONEHAM TO-JXVV. 

and was a serviceable carriage for about thirty years. It was given to the 
builders of the present truck, Pollard & Parker, of Woburn, as part ijayment. 
The new truck was built in 1S81, and is called the Resolute, which name 
was also borne by the first truck. It was brought to Stoneham July 2, the 
very day President Garfield was shot. 

The Col. Gould Steam Fire Engine was procured in 1870, and was built 
by Hunnemau & Co., Boston, and cost $4,000. It has given good service, 
but became so much worn that the town, this spring, decided to purchase 
a new steamer, and the Col. Gould was given partly in exchange. S. C. Trull 
has been engineer ot the Col. (k)uld lor twenty-one years, or ever since it 
was put into commission. 

In 1873 a horse hose carriage was bought of Hunneman & Co. to accom- 
panv the (ien. Worth Engine. This has been retained by the town and is 
the one now used by the Gen. Worth Hose Co. It cost $gs°- 

When the Col. ( iould .Steamer was bought in 1870 a hand hose carriage 
was purchased with it of Hunneman & Co. at a cost of $700. This was in 
service for twenty years, and in 1890 was given in part payment for a new 
hose wagon, built by R. D. Wall at a cost of $250 and the old carriage. 

Mr. Wall had built a hose wagon, the (ien. Worth, tlie same as this one, 
the vear previous at a cost ot $300. These are both drawn by hand, although 
one of tneni. tlie Col. Gould, has shafts to be used in case the wagon goes 
out of town for any purpose. 

The town also erected a suljstantial l.>uilding in 1870 at a cost of $4,000 in 
which to house the Col. Gould engine. 

In 1886 a new hose carriage, the E. R. Seaver No. 3, was built for the 
department by T. T. .Marston. of Stoneham, at a cost of $330. This is 
located at Farm Hill in a hose house built by the town at a cost of $800 for 
building and furnishing. 

The Hook and Ladder Truck and Gen. Worth Hose Carriage and Hose 
Wagon are kept in rooms in the basement of the Town Hall building. 

The new steam fire engine is a second size, full nickeled Amoskeag, built 
by the Manchester Locomotive Works, Manchester, N. H., and cost S.3, 500, 
and the old Col. Gould Engine. It is a substantial and beautiful engine and 
one of the best made. 

The Fire Department has no horses, but has a contract with James Forrest 
to draw the Steam Fire Engine at a compensation of $200 per year, with 
B. B. Batcheller to diaw the Hook and Ladder Truck at three dollars for 
each alarm, with Tredick Bros, to furnish a supply wagon at three dollars for 
each alarm, and with Levi Hill to draw the Gen. Worth Hose Carriage at $100 
per year. 

The Chief Engineers of the department and their terms of office have been 
as follows, the term beginning in May of each year. The first on record 
is B. F. Richardson, 1857, followed by Orin Hersam, 1858-9-60; Onslow 




•--*-'*'3u« 



COL. GOULD EXGLXE HOUSE. 



-^*«i*" 



l8o STONEHAM TODAY. 

Gilmore, 1861-2-3-4-5 : Charles C. Dike, 1866-7; Oi'if Hersam, 1868: \Vm . 
C. Dustin, 1869; William F. Walker, 1870-1 ; Onslow. Gilmore 1872; 
William H. Eastman. 1S73-4-5: Mcses Downs, 1876-7-8-9; Edward R. 
Seaver, 1880-1; Orin A. Dodge 1882-3; Edward R. Seaver, 1884-5-6; 
Orin A. Dodge, 1887-8-9-90-1 All of the above are living except Mr. 
Hersam. 

The present Board of Engineers consists of Orin A. Dodge, Chief, Geo. 
E. Sturtevant, First Assistant and John A. LaClair, Second Assistant and 
Clerk. They were all chosen in 1887 and are now in their tilth consecutive 
term of service. 

During that period the department has maintained a high degree ol effic- 
iency and it can be safely said that the departments of few towns will com- 
pare with that of Stoneham in promptness in responding to alarms and 
successful work in extinguishing fires before they have caused serious damage. 
When we consider the number of large wooden factories and other inflamma- 
ble buildings in Stoneham, many of them in clcse proximity to each other, 
we may acquire some realization of the good work done by the dcpraiment 
in preventing serious conflagrations by promptly quenching fires in their in- 
cipiency or before they have gained much headway. 

The apparatus of the department has of late years been constantly im- 
proved and added to and now consists as follows, that which is marked * 
having been added during the last five years, the date of purchase and cost 
of each being given : 

* Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine, second size, full nickeled, built by Man- 
chester Locomotive Works, Manchester, N. H., 1S91, cost $3500 and the 
old Colonel Gould Steam Fire Engine, the new steamer also bearing the 
name Col. Gould; Resolute Hook and Ladder Truck, No. i, built 1881, 
cost $500 and the old Resolute Hook and Ladder Tmck, is fully equipped 
as follows: one sixty feet * Somerville extension ladder, bought 1S87, cost 
$175, one fifty feet Bangor extension ladder, bought 1877, cost ^125, two 
hundred and thirty feet of common ladders, four Johnson pumps and all 
other necessary pharaphernalia ; General Worth Hose Carriage No. 2 (horse) 
carrying 1000 feet of hose, built 1873, cost $950 ; * Colonel Gould Hose 
Wagon No. i, (hand or horse) carrying 600 feet of hose, pipes. iS;c., built 
1890. cost $250 and the old Co'. Gould hose carriage ; * Gjn. Worth Hose 
Wa^on No. 2. (hand) built 1889, cost $300, carrying 500 fjet of hose, also 
* life saving apparatus, bought in 1888, cost $100, comprising one sixty feet 
chute, one jumping net, guns, &.c. • E. R. Seaver Hose Carriage No. 2, 
carrying 500 feet of hose, built 1886, cost $330. The department has 5,000 
feet of hose in good condition, 3300 feet of which has been bought in the 
last two years. In addition there are twelve hydrant gates, which with the 
other facilities allow of the throwing of fourteen streams of water in Central 
Square in case of necessity. 



1 82 STONEHA.M TO-DAV. 

In i8go an electric fire alarm system was introduced. It was completed 
and accepted in November and has since given satisfaction. It is the Game- 
well svstem and comprises seventeen tire alarm boxes, a whistle machine for 
the gong on the factorv of Sanborn «S: Mann, a bell striker for the bell on the 
Con;;r gational Church, a bo.x for school signal in residence of Amos Hill, of 
the sc'.iool committee, and tappers in the homes of the engineers. The e.x- 
pense o: the whole was S2100. 

The appropriation made by the tovvn for ti e sujjport of the fire department 
this year is $2800. 

In 1883 water was introduced into the town, being lianished bv the water 
works at Wakefield, and fifty-eight post hydrants and one Lowry hydrant 
have been put in throughout the town. The reservoirs in former use were, 
however, retained and are kept in condition in the outskirts where the water 
pipes do not extend, as is also the one in Central Square. 

There are now sixty-five men in the department, diviaed as tbilows : En- 
gineers, 3: Hook and Ladder Co.. 25: Col. (jould Hose Co.. 15: Gen. 
Worth Hose Co., 12: E. R. Seaver Hose Co., :o. 

IXDL'STKIES. 

The industries of a manufacturing communit}- contriltute miteriallv to its 
support and prosperity, in fact they are the fountain tVom whicli its life is 
drawn, and the citizens appreciate this tact and the public spirited among 
them are even ready to show their appreciation of the value of these industries 
when occasion demands. The town of Ston;ham is fortunate in this respect. 
For a great many years it has been an acknowledged manufacturing commu- 
nity, and although in the outskirts the residents are principally employed in 
agriculture, floriculture and kindred pursuits, in its industrial reputation 
abroad it is favorably known as one of the municipalities of th.: common- 
wealth noted for the manufacture of shoes. Its factories are well equipped 
and many of them extensive and aftbrd constai>t employment to a large num- 
ber of operatives, women as well as men, and the wages paid compare 
favorably with those of any branch of industry. The boots and shoes 
manufactured here are accounted among the best put on the market and their 
sales extend to all parts of the country. 

So complete an account of the origin and growth of the industries of 
Stoneham has already been given on a preceding page of this book, that it 
will not be necessary to further consider the subiect historically. It is there- 
fore our purpose in this article to treat it with regard to present facts only. 

The shoe business is still the leading industry of the town. It is carried 
on in fifteen separate factories by about twenty-six different firms. The largest 
of these is the new factory of T. H. Jones on Franklin Street, capable of em- 
ploying about three hundred hands and turning out eightv cases of shoes 



STOXEHAM TO-DAV. 1 83 

per day. Sanborn & Mann's is next witli a capacity of four liundred liands 
and seventy-five cases per day. The total shipment of boots and shoes from 
Stoncham from January i, 1890, to January i, 1S91, was 59,663 cases. 

As an outgrowth of and adjunct to shoe manufacturing the following 
industries have sprung up and furnish employment to many hands : Henry 
Boyce & Sons, taps, soles and stiffenings ; E. P. Duncklee, innersoles and 
taps; E. A. Newhall, taps, soles and heels; C. K. Wiiite, taps and heels; 
Joshua Mears, heels; E. K. Lothrop Co., boot and shoe tips: S. A. 
Marston, sole and upper leather tips : G. W. Newhall & Son, shoe trimmings ; 
Stackpole & Daniels, shoe trimmings; H. E. Hersam, die maker; Wesley 
Carville, cutting boards and dynking blocks, all the above being manufactur- 
ers ; David Tibbetts, Standard machine sewing and fastening: .Mrs. George 
H. Hathaway, machine stitching on shoe uppers. 

The firms engaged in the boot and shoe industry are here given, with a 
■complete tabulated statement of tlie capacity, and output of their factories, 
together with other interesting particulars, as follows : 



lS4 



STONEHAM TO-DAY. 







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1 86 STONEHAM TO-DAV. 

The tanning and currying business, of old an important industry of Stone- 
ham, is now carried on by one firm, but a firm of long standing and of wide 
reputation, the firm of Wm. Tidd & Co., mentioned on page 97. 

There is, besides, the firm of Wm. I). Uyron &; Sons, engaged in leather 
making in their factory near Farm Hill S' .tion. The westward tendency of 
these industries makes it very improbahh, that they are destined to grow in 
Stoneham, in the sense that new estiMishments will be opened. 

The leather shipped from Stoufham from January r, 1890, to January i, 
1 89 1, was 35.505 rolls. 

A new industry introduced into Stoneham. and one that promises a pros- 
perous future, is the manufacturing of drugs, medicines and chemicals by the 
E. L. Patch Company in their factory on Montvale Avenue. 

This company was organized Nov. 16, 1888, chartered Dec. 24, 18S8, 
with a capital of $100,000 and commenced active business operations May i, 
1889. 

The officers are Prof. Edgar L. Patch, President; J. F. Ryder, Vice 
President; Hon. Onslow Gilmore, Treaaurer ; Henry Canning, Secretary; F. 
E. Rowell, Clerk; Geo. Y. Hutchins and C. E. Dotey, Directors. 

The company manufactures chemical and pharmaceutical preparations in 
great variety. Among their products we might name purified chemicals, 
granular efifen^escent salts, percolation powders, assayed drugs, fluid extracts, 
chemical syrups, elixirs, tablets, compressed and cut lozenges, pills and tritu- 
rates. 

The business has the personal supervision of President Patch, who is a 
chemist of eminence and unusual ability, possessing a thorough scientific 
knowledge of his profession and endowed with native genius and discern- 
ment. With such a master at the helm it seems a forgone conclusion, judging 
from results alreadv obtained, that the progress of this corporation must be 
steadily and surely forward. 

Every effort is made to have the products of the very best quality, and to 
secure this all products are sampled and assayed and all that are in any way 
deficient brought to standard. 

The business has rapidly expanded and necessitated the enlargement of 
buildings to twice their original capacity during the '^ast two years. It will 
be gratifying to the citizens to have it continue to mt-ct with favor and be- 
come a prominent industry of the town. 

At present (May 1891) the total number employed in all departments is 
52. A view of the laboratory may be seen on the next page. 

There are two firms engaged in carriage building, R. D. Wall and W. 
Ward Child, the latter having succeeded B. F. Riciiardson in 187 i and con- 
tinued at the same old stand on Main street since, although he was in the 
same business during a period of years previous to that time. 






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1 88 STONEHAM TO-DAY. 

Mr. Wall succeeded to the business ofO. A. Edgell in 1872 and has since 
that time been engaged in the manufacturing to order of all descriptions of 
fine carriages. He is now located on Block street. 

The manufacturing of paper boxes for all purposes is also carried on by 
William P. Fletcher, who has lately moved into new, larger and more conve- 
nient charters on Pleasant street, adjoining the railroad. 

There two are firms engaged in making wooden boxes, Orra Paige, on the 
corner of Pine and Tidd Streets, and the new firm of F. H. Garman. manu- 
facturer of packing boxes and box shooks, on Pomeworth Street. 

W. H. Farnham & Co. carry on the business of manufacturing shoe lasts 
on Mont vale Avenue. It will well repay a visit to this place to see the rodent 
machines turn in a few moments rough blocks of maple into shapely lasts, the 
e.xact counterpart of a given model, though perhaps diftering from it in size. 

In the east part of the town, Mr. Samuel Hipkiss carries on an extensive 
business in manufacturing base balls, tennis balls, etc. 

The Foster Manufacturing Co., corner of Main and Summer Streets, man- 
ufacture pencil shaipeners. Saws are made bv J. A. Healev & Co., Central 
Square, and stair building is done by Fred W. Lawry, Main Street. 

SOCIETIES AND CLUBS. 

There are a large number of excellent fraternal and other societies in 
Stoneham, most of \\hich have a good membership. A complete list is given 
with the names ot principal officers and dates and places of meeting, as 
follows : 

Columbian Lodge. Xo. 29, I. O. O. F. Noble Grand. W. Scott Pryor ; 
Rec. Sec'y, W. Ward Child. Every Friday night. Odd Fellows" Hall. 

Columbian Encampment No. 43. I. O. O. F. Chief Patriarch, R. R. 
Gilman ; Scribe, W. Ward Child, ist and 3d Mondays. Odd Fellows" Hall. 

Canton Fells, No. 26, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. Captain, S.C. 
Batchelder; Lieut., C. F. Brown; Ensign, R. R. Gilman. 2d Monday. 

Evergreen Lodge, No. 19, D. of R. Noble Grand, Mrs. O. F. Huntoon ; 
Rec. Sec'y, Alma Johonnot. 2d Tuesday. Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Columbian Mutual Relief Association, I. O. O. F. Pres., C. F. Brown; 
Clerk, C. O. Currier. Meet 2d Friday. 

Columbian Mutual Benefit Association. I. O. O. F. Fres.. S. H. Green; 
Clerk, W. Ward Child. 

King Cyms Lodge, F. & A. M. Worshipful Master, J. A. Frasier ; Sec- 
retary, Orra Paige. 3d Wednesday. Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Beulah Chapter, No. 11, Order Eastern Star. Worthy Matron, H. Angle 
Sweetser; Secretary. Lillian \'. Boothby. 3d Thursdav. Odd Fellows' 
Hall. 



STONEHAM TO-DAY. 1 89 

Division 4, A. O. H. I'resident, John Leach; Secretary, John B. 
McDonald. Rooms in Saurin's Building. 

J. P. Gould Post 75. G. A. R. Commander, M. W. Messer; Adjutant, 
G. E. Whitehouse. Every Mondav. Grand Army Hall. 

Woman's Relief Corps 65. President, Clara L. Buswell ; Secretary, Annie 
Bartlett. 2d and 4th Fridays. G. A. R. Hall. 

Capt John H. Dike Camp No. 86, Sons of Veterans. Meetings in G. A. 
R. Hall 1st and 3d Fridays. Captain, W. G. Bartlett; ist Sergt., M. B. 
Chase. 

Company H. Sixth Regiment, M. V. M. Captain, S. G. Sweetser; ist 
Lieut., F. F. Green: 2d Lieut., Frank Tabbut ; Clerk, W. E. Sweetser. 
Armory, Main street. 

Wamscott Tribe, No. 39, I. O. Red Men. Sachem, John Gray; Chief of 
Records, R. O. Hanson. Meet every Thursday. Do\v"s Block. 

Daughters of Pocahontas. Pocahontas, Clara M. Johnson; Keeper of 
Records, Mrs. M. A. Dow. ist and 3d Fridays. Red Men's Hall. 

Highland Council, No. 36, O. U. A. I\L Councillor, George Thaver ; Rec. 
SecV, A. S. Howe. Every Wednesday. O. U. A. M. Hall. 

True American Council, No. 15, Daughters of Liberty. Councillor, C. E. 
Cloutman. Rec. Sec'y, Miss Addie Putney. O. U. A. AL Hall. 

Fells Lodge, No. 6^, A. O. LI. W. Master Workman, Frank Barnes; 
Recorder, W. W. Houghton. 2d and 4th Tuesdays. Good Templars' 
Hall. 

Stoneham Lodge, No. 371, K. of H. Dictator, G. Andrews; Reporter, 
S. D. Allen, ist and 3d Tuesdays. Good Templars' Hall. 

Stoneham Lodge No. S04, A. L. of H. Commander, G. J. Child; Sec'y, 
John Best. 2d and 4th Tuesdays. Grand Army Hall. 

Bear Hill Assembly, R. S. of G. F. Ruler, F. O. Berry; Secretary, A- L. 
Bean. G. A. R. Hall, ist Wednesday. 

Forest Union, No. 686, E. A. U. President, Mrs. Ellen J. Tay ; Sec'y, 
C. S. Jewett. 2d Wednesday. G. A. R. Hall. 

Miles Standish Colony, No. 7, U. O. P. F. Worthy Gov., Henry A. 
Smith; Secretary, John Best. 1st and 3d Tuesdaj-s. Grand Army Hall. 

Victory Commandery, No. 52, O. G. G. Conductor, Timothy Cronin ; 
Secretary, G. W. Hook. 2d and last Mondays. 

Royal Conclave, K. and L. Councillor, L. Lewis; Secretary, R. O. Han- 
son. 2d and 4th Fridays. Good Templars' Hall. 

Friendly Aid Society. President, Joseph Theobald; Secretary, T. Fred 
Emery, ist and 3d Thursdays. 

Garnet Lodge, Order of Solid Rock. Chief Councillor, Lucy H. Johnson; 
Recorder, May Coombs. 4th Wednesday. 

Stoneham Board of Trade. President, W. C. Whitcher; Secretary, F. 
W. Spencer. 2d Monday. O. U. A. M. Hall. 



I go STOXEHA.M TOIXW 

Sloneliani Sportsman's Club. President, P. H. Home; Secretary, \V. H. 
Hurd. Rooms, Dorr"s Block. 

Athletic Club. President. F. E. Cummings : Secretary. Harry Boyce. 
Rooms, Dorrs Block. 

Ladies" Aid. President, Mrs. A. J. Kempton ; Secretary, Mrs. A. R. 
Green: 2d and 4th Thursdays. G. A. R. Hall. 

Woman's Christian Temperance Union. President, Mrs. E. P. Nickerson ; 
Secretary, Mrs. C. A. Anderson. Meet alternate Thursday evenings with the 
Secretary. 

Crystal Gem Lodge, No. 19, L O. G. T. \Voriliy Chief Templar, Frank 
L Tibbetts ; Secretary, Miss Annie Bartlett. Every Wednesday. Ciocd 
Templars" Hall, Dow's Block. 

Loyal Legion. Supt., Mrs. L. C. Shaw: Ass"t Supt., Mrs. G. A. \o\wg. 
Meet every Wednesday afternoon. 

Young Men"s Christian Association. President, J. B. Hawkins; Secretary, 
G. A. Mathews; General Secretary, Frank 15. Robbins. Rooms, Franklin 
street. 

Ladies" Auxiliary to Y. M. C. A. President, Mrs. J. 15. Hawkins: Sec'y, 
Miss G. A. Richardson. Rooms on Franklin street. 

Cutters LTnion. Rooms in Aaron Hill's Building. 

Laster's Protective Union. Rooms in Dow's Building. 

Lincoln Club. President, W. S. Keene ; Secretary, F. E. Nickerson. 
Rooms in Chases' Building. 

Central Club. President, E. H. Moore; Secretary, C. E. Home. Room 
in Chases" Building. 

Farm Hill Gun Club. President. Hamilton Hay; Secretary, Homer C. 
Hay. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Total Abstinence Society. President, Geo. Hamill ; 
Sec"y, J. W. Kelly. Meet every Friday. Room Dow"s Block. 

THE PROFESSIONS. 

In the professions the town is fortunate in the possession of men of ability, 
probity and liberal education, sincere in the path of duty and broad minded 
in its exemplitrcation. 

All the professions are well represented, medicine, the ministry, law and 
dentistry as well as music and the languages. 

MERCANTILE BUSINESS AND MECHANICAL TRADES. 

The commercial establishments and mechanical trades of Stoneham are 
worthy of special commendation. 

The different branches of trade are represented in great variety, and the 
stores are as a rule large, well appointed and furnished with liberal and 



STONEHAM TO-DAV. IQI 

varied stocks of merchandise admirably adapted to tlie wants of the public, 
and in the matter of prices the tradesmen are as reasonable as can be found 
in any community outside of the lar^i^e cities. 

The stores are liberally patronized, and the merchants conduct their busi- 
ness with spirit, enterprise and good judi^ment, and are consequently pros- 
perous. 

Of those engaged in mechanical trades it can be said that they are men of 
acknowledged skill and care, and retain the confidence and support of the 
people. 



%~^^ 






19- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

SILAS DEAN. 

Silas Dean, Stoneham's veteran Town Clerk, was born in Reading, 
Mass., November 7, 1815, and is the son of .Silas and Mary (Willey) Dean. 

He attended the common school and afterward the academy kept by John 
Batchelder in his native town, practically finishing his schooling at the age of 
sixteen, although he attended the academy again for a few months two or 
three years later. 

While attending school he learned the trade of a cordwainer (shoemaker) 
and worked at it from his twelfth to sixteenth years. After leaving school 
he went to Maiden, where he waited upon customers in a dry goods store 
between two and three years, and afterwards worked in a country store in 
South Reading, now Wakefield, for about a year. 

Mr. Dean came to Stoneham to settle permanently in September, 1839, 
and during most of the time for sixteen or seventeen years he worked at his 
trade, manufacturing and making shoes for other manufacturers, although he 
taught in the public schools for a few months in the first years of his residence 
here, and kept a private school in the winter of 1842 or "43 in the room he 
now occupies as his office. There are a number of persons now li\'ing in the 
town who attended his private school. 

In 1849 ^""^ ^^''i-'' chosen Town Clerk and held the position four years, and 
again in 1856 he was appointed to the office by the Selectmen to fill a 
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Silas N. Richardson on acrount of 
illness. Mr. Dean was sworn into office August 11, 1856, and has held the 
office ever since, being elected every year for thirty-five consecutive years, 
which with the four years previously makes a service of nearly thirty-nine 
years, he being one of the oldest and the longest in service of the living 
Town Clerks. 

He has been on the Board of School Committee at different times an ag- 
gregate of eleven years, his first term being in 1845. ^^ ^^'^^^ elected as an 
Overseer of the Poor in 1866 and has been a member of the Board ever 
since, except one year when the Selectmen acted as Overseers, thus making 
a service in this department of twenty-four years. 

In 1853 he represented Stoneham in the Constitutional Convention held at 
Boston for the purpose of revising the Constitution of the Common- 
wealth. 

Mr. Dean has done business as an auctioneer since 1845, having held an 
auctioneer's license every year since that time, a period of forty-six years. 

He has also been a Justice of the Peace since 1852, and in that capacity 
has united one hundred and forty-seven couples in the holy bonds of matri- 
mony. Mr. Dean has also made out a great many deeds of real estate and 
other legal papers, and has done considerable at historical and genealogical 
work. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



193 



Mr. Dean has been twice married, first in .Stoneliam, Septeml)er 27, 1840, 
to Miss .Sarah F"uller, of this town, who died Feb. i, 1859, and second in 
Taunton, September 18, 1861, to Miss Sarah A. Reed, of that place, who is 
now Hving. Two daughters were the fruit of the first union, the elder of 
whom, Ellen Elizabeth, is living and resides at the home of her father. No 
children have been born to the second wife. 

Mr. Dean became a member of the Congregational Church, Reading, in 
183 1, and since his residence in Stoneham has been a member of the Con- 
gregational Church here and a deacon for forty-five years consecutivel}-. 

The cottage in which he now lives on Pine street was built in 1840, and 
there he was wedded to his first wife. He has resided there during the fifty- 
one years since, and his office of Town Clerk, &c., has always been in the 
rear room of his house. 

Mr. Dean has always been careful, painstaking and accommodating in of- 
fice, and is one of the most esteemed citizens of the town. He is considered 
the personification of honesty and there are never any but good words spoken 
of him. 

GEORGE COWDREY, ESQ. 

George, son of Lieut. George and Mary (Stevens) Cowdrey, was born in 
Stoneham, Mass., January 5th, 18 15. He received his e.iucation in the 
public schools of Stoneham, and in Bradford, Vt. Mr. Cowdrey gave his 
attention to the shoe business, and for twelve years manufactured shoes in 
Stoneham. He has been engaged in the real-estate business for the past 
thirty-eight years. Mr. Cowdrey "s business capacity, and integritv, have 
secured for him merited success in business. He has been very prominent in 
the affairs of the town, holding the cfifices of Selectman, Assessor, and 
Overseer of the Poor, and for no less than eight terms has represented his 
native town in the Legislature. He was first chosen to the Legislature of 
1844. and has since been a member in the years 1850, 1851, 1852, 1883, 
1884, 1885, and 1886. In the last-named two years he was the senior mem- 
ber, or dean, of the House, and had the honor of calling the House to order, 
and of presiding over it during the work of organization. Mr. Cowdrey has 
served, during his long legislative experience, on a number of important 
committees, and performed a great deal of valuable and lasting work for the 
State. Among the committees with which he has been associated, may be 
named the Committee on the Better Security of the Ballot, and the Committee 
on Banks and Banking for six years, of which he was House Chairman the 
last three years. In 1852 he was appointed on a committee to escort Louis 
Kossuth from Springfield to Boston. He has been a member of the Com- 
mittee on Public Service, and also of the Committee on Rules. As a speaker 
he is earnest and forcible, and has taken a leading part in debate, and has 
always exerted a great influence among the members of both parties in the 
13 



lUOCRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



195 



Legislature. He has actively favored all measures in the interest of the 
soldiers and of the laboring classes. For two years he served as one of the 
monitors of the House. In the Legislature of 1851 Mr. Cowdrey took a very 
active part in the election of Hon. Charles Sumner to the United States 
Senate. He organized and led the Sumner forces in the House against the 
supporters of Robert C. Winthrop, and secured the election of Mr. Sumner 
on the twenty-sixth ballot, after a strong and hard contest. Mr. Sumner 
acknowledged his indebtedness to Mr. Cowdrey for his elevation to the 
Senate. In the House of 1852 he was prominent in his successful opposition 
to the proposed division of the town of Stoneham. As a legislator Repre- 
sentative Cowdrey has been noted as a careful, conscientious member, with 
an eye single to the public interest, and ever careful to save the treasurv from 
needless expenditure. His course has been marked by unwearied industry, 
and careful attention to duty. Mr. Cowdrey is an earnest supporter of 
Democratic principles. 

WILLIAM G. FULLER. 

William Griffin Fuller is one of the oldest and best known citizens of 
Stoneham, having lived in the town for over sixty-one years. He was born 
in West Newton, Mass., May 2, 1810, and is the son of Josiah and Sarah 
(Greenough) Fuller. 

His mother died when he was but five years of age and he went to Wes- 
ton, Mass., to live with an uncle and aunt on account of his father giving up 
housekeeping. 

There he attended the district school and worked about his uncle's farm 
until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to North Woburn to learn 
the currier's trade. 

He was an apprentice to Jonathan Tidd and lived at his home until about 
twenty years of age, at which time Mr. Tidd died and Mr. Fuller came to 
Stoneham and finished his trade with Charles E. Walker. This was in 1830, 
Mr. Fuller coming to Stoneham on May ist of that year. 

After learning the trade he worked for Mr. Walker for three years, was in 
partnership with him during the next year, and in 1835 he bought out Mr. 
Walker's interest and from that time on he was in business alone, and was 
the only man in the leather business in the town up to 1840. 

The currying shop and Mr. Fuller's residence were then located where the 
Chase building now stands. Here he continued to live and do business until 
1850, when he sold his residence and moved his shop to Block street where 
he manufactured grain and split leather until 1857 when he retired on account 
of failing health. Since that year he has not engaged in active business but 
has dealt considerably in real estate, buying and selling, and is now owner of 
a large amount of real estate in the central i)ortion of the town. 




WILLIAM G. FULLER. 



M, ' . i i i r ' W ' iw 



C 
N 

n 





198 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

In 1850 he built the substantial homestead on Franklin street which he 
has since occupied, his old house beino; now on the opposite side of the same 
street, where it was moved when the Chase Block was built. ' 

Mr. Fuller has been twice married; first in Stoneham, May 10, 1835, to 
Miss Mary Richardson, of this town, by whom he had two daughters, both 
of whom are deceased. His second marriage was in New London, N. H., 
November 12, 1840, to Miss Apphia E. Burpee, of that town. Three chil- 
dren have been born to then-, one son and two daughters. The son is de- 
ceased but the daughters are living and are at home, viz: Georgianna Eva 
and W'illiamine Cordelia. 

Mr. Fuller has never belonged to a fraternal society nor held a town office 
but was Representative to the General Court in 1840. being at that time less 
than thirty years of age. During this term Hon. Robert C. Winthrop was 
Speaker of the House of Representatives and it was the first term of Gover- 
nor Marcus Morton, who was elected to the Governorship by only one 
majority. 

Mr. Fuller is a Trustee of the .Stoneham Five Cents Savings Bank, being 
one of its incorporators and the only one now ccuinected with the bank. He 
has also been one of its Vice Presidents for a number of years. He is an 
attendant at the Congregational Church. 

For a man in his eighty-second year Mr. Fuller retains all his faculties to a 
remarkable degree, and he is as well capable of transacting business now as 
the majority of men at two score and ten. 

WILLIA.M HURD. 

Captain William Hurd, a veteran of the Mexican war, was born in Wis- 
casset. Maine, December 16, 1813, his parents being James and Hannah 
(Bean) Hurd. 

He obtained his schooling in his native town and before the age of sixteen 
went to Charlestown, Mass., where he learned the trade of a morocco dresser, 
serving five and a half years. The day following his arrival at majority he 
■was appointed foreman of Abram P. PritcharcPs factory in Charlestown, and 
was employed there about three years, when on account of the failure of Mr. 
Pritchard he went into the morocco store of William R. Fernald, South 
Market Street, Boston, as a salesman, where he remained two years, and 
during that lime obtained a knowledge of buying and selling. 

He then went into the business of manufacturing morocco with Freeman 
Wilson, at Lowell. Mr. Wilson went out of the firm in about a year, and 
Mr. Hurd continued alone until 1840 when he opened a store on Fulton 
Street, Boston, and manufactured in Charlestown. There he remained 
until 1846. 

In that year he joined with John S. Barker in recruiting a company for the 
Mexican war. Mr. Barker had been endeavoring unsuccessfully to enlist 




WILLIAM KURD. 



200 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

men enough to fill a company and with money and assistance from Mr. Hurd 
the ranks were filled, and Mr. Barker was commissioned Captain, and Mr. 
Hurd, First Lieutenant. They were in quarters at Charlestown with the 
company tor a short time, and then sailed in a ship to Brazos Santiago, 
Texas. There they marched nine miles across country, in sand nearly to the 
knees, to the Rio Grande River, and then went into Mexico, up to Matamoras, 
and from there marched across to Monterey, about 300 miles. Owing tO' 
illness of Captain Barker during most of the time ne was in the service, Lieut. 
Hurd was breveted Captain and was in command. At Monterey, where they 
remained about two months. Captain Hurd was in command of the Black 
Fort, which his company garrisoned. 

Two divisions under General Lane and General Gushing were called down 
by General Winfield Scott to re-enforce him at Vena Cruz. General .Scott 
was in the City of Mexico and wanted the re-enforcements to open commu- 
nication for him with \'era Cniz, where supplies were obtained. Captain 
Hurd"s company formed a part of these troops. They marched to the mouth 
of the Rio Grande, about 200 miles, in eight days, and then went by vesse 
to Vera Cruz. From there they went to the City of Mexico, from which city 
brigades v ere sent out to different points. Capt. Hurd's company was sta- 
tioned at Mixcoax about two and a half months, protecting the inhabitants 
against the guerillas. 

May 31, 1848, they left for home, marching 300 miles to \'era Cruz, and 
there taking a ship for New Orleans, from which city they came bv steam- 
boat and rail, by way of Cincinnati and Buffalo, to Boston, and were mus- 
tered out in Cambridge the latter part of July, 1848. 

Captain Hurd inherited a military spirit from three generations of his an- 
cestors. His great-grandfather served in the French and Indian war, and 
Captain Hurd has in his possession a powder-horn used by this ancestor, and 
afterwards by his grandfather while fighting for liberty at the Battle of Bunker 
Hill. His father was in the str\ice of the L^nited States in the war of 1812. 

Mr. Hurd was united in marriage January 3, 1836, at Charlestown, Mass., 
to Miss Sophia Whitney, a native of Danville, \'t., who is now living. Eight 
children have been born to them, four sons and four daughters, four of whom, 
two sons and two daughters, are living, viz: Kathleen, wife of William W. 
Abbott, of North Reading, William Jr., Annie Gray, wife of Oliver Gardner 
Fowle, of Stoneham, and Winfield Scott. 

In October, 1848, a few months after his return from the Mexican war. 
Captain Hurd was induced by John Hill, the elder, to come to Stoneham and 
engage in the manufacture of morocco. Associated with him in a financial 
way was the firm of John Hill & Co., and an extensive business was done for 
a number of years. 

The Messrs. Hill retained an interest until about 1865, although Mr. Hurd 
had full charge of the business and it was always in his name. Mr. Hurd 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 201 

continued alone from 1865 until 1873, since which time he has not engaged 
in active business. 

Captain Hurd did not enter the war of the Rebellion, on account of his 
business, although Senator Henry Wilson, with whom he had been person- 
ally acquainted since 1840, endeavored to persuade him to do so by offering 
to secure for him almost any commission he would accept. 

Captain Hurd has always refused to take public office, with the exception 
that he was a member of the Board of Trustees which founded the Stoneham 
Public Library in 1859, and was on the Board for nearly twenty years and 
chairman for several years. 

He was one of the projectors of the horse railroad from Stoneham Centre 
to what is now Melrose Highlands Station, and a director for about twenty- 
six years, or until it was sold to what is now the East Middlesex Street 
Railway Co. He was a director in the Wakefield Gas Co. for nearly fifteen 
years, and was one of the organize) s of the Stoneham Unitarian Church and 
a member of the standing committee for many years. 

He was made a Mason in 1S56, at which time he joined Wyoming Lodge, 
Melrose, of which he is now an honorary member, was a charter and is a 
life member of Waverly Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Melro.se, also a 
charter, now honorary member of Hugh de Pa_\ens Commander}', Knights 
Templars, of Melrose, and was a charter and is now a life member of the 
Ro3'al and Select Masters, now located in Maiden. 

Previous to becoming a charier member of Waverly Chapter and Hugh de 
Payens Commandery he was a member of St. Andrew's Chapter and Boston 
Commandery, both of Boston. He is a 32d degree Mason. 

At the laying of the corner-stone of tiic present Masonic Temple in E'>oston 
in 1S64, Capt. Hurd was Assistant Marshal to Chief of Division Richard 
Briggs, and owing to his military experience was given charge of forming the 
division. At the dedication of the Temple in 1867 he was Chief Marshal of 
the Sixth Division. 

He is \'ice President for New England of the National As.sociation of Vet- 
erans of the Mexican War, and Vice President of the First Regiment of 
Mas.sachusetts Veterans of the ^Mexican war. 

Captain Hurd is in full possession of all his faculties, and is as active and 
bright as many a man of fifty years of age. 

He resides, with his wife and two sons, on Main street. 

E. F. KICH.VKUSOX. 

Benjamin Franklin Richardson, one of the oldest residents of .Stoneham, 
was born in Woburn, Mass., .April i. 1S07. and is the son of Jesse and 
Susanna (Richardson) Richardson. 

His early schooling was obtained in the schools of Woburn, until he was 



202 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

nine years of age, when he removed to Hudson, N. H., where he attended 
school until fifteen years of age. 

He then went to Aledford, .Mass., and learned the trade of a wheelwright 
and carriage-maker of Jesse Crosby, for whom he worked until he was nearly 
twentv-one vears of ace. 




15. F. RICHARDSON'. 

In 1827 he came to Stoneham and started in business for himself in the 
shop now occupied by \V. Ward Child, tiiis building at that time standing on 
the spot that is now the head of .Montvale avenue. Wiien that street was 
built, about 1832, Mr. Richardson divided the building and moved a portion 
of it across Main street, and the other portion was sold and moved a short 
distance towards Woburn and located beside the new street, and is now a 
portion of what is called the Leeds house. He continued in business in the 
portion now occupied by Mr. Child most of the time until 187 1, when he 
sold out to Mr. Child and retired. 

During that period he went to California twice, in the time of the gold 
fever, first in 1849 and again in 1851, remaining there one and a half years 
and one year respectively. 



lilOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 203 

Mr. Richardson has been twice married, first to Miss Sally Green, daugh- 
ter of Captain Josiah Green, of Stoneham, on April 19, 1830, and second 
to Mrs. Mar}' W., widow of Samuel Cloon, of Stoneham, June i, 1876. 
Both weddings took place in this town. By his first wife, who died January 
I, 1876, he had four children, one of whom, John, is now living in the next 
house north of his father's. He has had no children by his second wife. 

Mr. Richardson built the house on Main street, just north of the shop 
where he did business ft)r so many years, in 1S31, and has lived there ever 
since. It has undergone little change, the front portion being about the 
same, an addition of one room being made on the north side and a new por- 
tion being added to the rear of the house. 

Mr. Richardson formerly attended the Universalist Church. 

He has enjoyed the confidence of his townsmen and was for many years 
honored with public oftice, being first elected a Selectman in 1836, and at 
difterent tunes from that vear until 1875, the length of his service aggregat- 
ing eighteen years. 

In his early years he was an active and leading member of the Fire De- 
partment, being foreman of the first engine company, the old Phcenix, during 
all of the fifteen years that engine was in commission. Was afterwards a 
member of the Hook and Ladder Company, and was the first Chief Engineer 
of the Fire Department, being chosen in 1857. 

In 1837 he was chosen Representative to the General Court, serving one 
term . 

For cjuite a number of years he was an Assessor and an Overseer of the 
Poor. 

When he first came to Stoneham there were only between 600 and 700 
inhabitants in the town. 

He has been a citizen of this town the longest of any living person except 
John Wheeler, William G. Fuller being third in order. 

Mr. Richardson's faculties are in good condition for one of his great age, 
his hearing and eyesight being excellent and his memory quite clear. For 
three years past he has been disabled by weakness of the limbs and lame- 
ness with which he was attacked suddenly and unaccountably, but otherwise 
his general health seems to be good. 

He is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F.. having been through 
the chair and Ijecome a member of the Grand Lodge. He joined this lodge 
in 1S44. He is also a member of Columbian Encampment, 1. O. O. F. 

ALBERT W. TEXXKV. 

Albert William Ter.ney, Dentist, was born in .Sandown, N. H., June 25, 
1829, and is the son of William and Emma (Chase) Tenney. 

When twelve years of age he removed with his parents to Maine and was 
educated in the common schools and the academy at Monson, Me. 



204 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Following tills iie was engaged with his father in carriage making in Mon- 
son until twenty-one years of age. and worked at tlie same trade for three 
years afterwards in Union. Me. For a few years he was engaged in organ 
manufacturing in Randolph. Vermont. 

He beo-an the study of dentistry with Dr. J. K. Lincoln, Augusta, Me., 
in 1855, and in 1858 opened an office for himself in Thomaston, Me., where 
he practiced till 1862. 

In Auo-ust of that year he entered the army in Company I. Twentieth 
Maine Volunteer Infantry, and in 1863 was transferred to the Regular Army 
as Hospital Steward on the General Medical Start". He was discharged in 
October, 1865. 




ALBERT W. TENNEV 



Mr. Tenney became a resident of Stoncham in 1867 and has been engaged 
in the practice of dentistry in this town ever since. His office is in Chase's 
Block, Main street. 

He was married September 10, i860, at Union, Me., to Miss Annie E. 
Robbins, of Union, and two children, Fannie Boutelle and Albert Edward, 
have been born to them. The son is living but the daughter died in 1864. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



205 



Mr. Tenney is a prominent meml)er of the Congregational Church, of this 
town, of which he was elected a deacon in 1873 'i'""^' of which office he is at 
present an incumbent. 

He is also a member of Jthe Massachusetts Dental Society, of the New 
England Dental Society, and of J. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., of Stone- 
ham. 

\V. A. HAKTLETT. 

Wilson Augustus Bartlett, the presen' Postmaster of Stoneham, was born 
of good old New Hampshire stock, being the son of Hial and Samantha 
(Gilman) Bartlett. Both /is grandlathers fought in the battle of Bunker 




\V. A. BARTLETT. 

Hill. His mother is still living at the age of 74 years, and is the only sur- 
viving member of a family of twenty-one children, of whom she was the 
youngest. 

Mr. Bartlett was born in Lowell, Mass., March 27, 1839, but most of his 
early life was passed in Manchester, N. H., where he attended school, being 
obliged to leave the High School before finishing the course and go to work, 
on account of the death of his father. 

In August, 1862, he enlisted in the loth N. H. Vol. Infantry, under Col. 



206 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

M. T. Donahoe. During the first of his service he was detailed as amounted 
orderly and was private orderly to Gen. G. W. Getty for two years. He re- 
turned to his regiment in the winter of 1864 and served with it until after the 
capture of Richmond, being in most of the engagements of the armies of 
the Potomac and James. After the capture of Richmond he was on detached 
service in that city in the medical department. He was mustered out at the 
close of the war, in June, 1865, and returned to Manchester. 

Mr. Bartlett was married in Manchester, N. H., June 15, 1861, to Miss 
Nancy Bartlett, a native of Littleton, N. H., and six children, four sons and 
two daughters, all of whom are living, have blessed their wedded life. Their 
names are Stella S., wife of William H. Weed, Herman H., WMlliam G.. 
Annie L., Albert O. and Ernest M. 

Mr. Bartlett came to Stoneham in 1869 and was employed as clerk by the 
grocery firm of Ford & Hovey. He continued as a clerk with this firm and 
others until 1883, when he accepted the position of book-keeper for H. C. 
Carbee, coal dealer, and remained with him until last March. • 

Mr. Bartlett was nominated for the office of Postmaster of Stoneham at a 
caucus of Republicans of the town held in the Town Hall in February, and 
was soon after appointed by President Harrison, his commission being dated 
Febiaiary 27, 1891. He took possession of the office April i. 

He is a prominent member of the G. A. R., having been one of the earli- 
est members of Lewis Bell Post 3, of Manchester, N. H., and is at present 
Junior \'ice Commander of J. P. Gould Post 75, of this town, being in his 
second term. He was Quartermaster for five years, and has also been hon- 
ered with various other offices in this Post. He is also Recording Secretary 
of Bear Hill Assembly, Royal Society of Good Fellows. He is an attendant 
at the Congregational Church. 

WILLIAM F. GORIJOX. 

William Francis Gordon, now the oldest apothecary in Stoneham, was 
born in Boston, Dec. 3, 1838, and is the son of Charles P. and Sarah S. 
(Searles) Gordon. He was educated in the Boston schools. Just before he 
was sixteen years of age he went into the employ of Brewer, Stevens & Gush- 
ing, wholesale druggists, doing business where the Boston Globe building 
now stands. Here he became familiar with the business which he has fol- 
lowed ever since. For a year or two he was in the retail drug business in 
Brookline, which he sold out to accept a uosition with the wholesale firm of 
H. H. Hay & Co., in Portland, Maine. This firm is still in existence. .Mr. 
Gordon remained in Portland for six years, or until after the great fire in 
that city, when he returned to Boston and was employed as foreman for Rust 
Brothers & Bird, Hanover Street. He remained with that firm until March 
I, 1 87 1, when he came to Stoneham and established in the retail drug 



rioc;raphical sketches. 207 

business and has continued to tlie present time. He has a large patronage, 
including many of the best people of the town. 

In 1863, May 6, he was married in Melrose, Mass., to Miss Mary Cather- 
ine Richardson, a native of (heat Falls, N. H. Two daughters have been 
born to them, viz : Mary Emma and Sarah Gertnide, both of whom are 
now living in Stoneham, the elder being the wife of Charles B. Clifton. Mr. 
Gordon is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., Columbian Encamp- 
ment, I. O. O. F., Canton Fells, I. O. O. F., Stoneham Lodge, K. of H., 
Fells Lodge, A. O. U. W., and Bear Hill Assembly, Royal Society of Good 
Fellows, of which he is financial secretary. He occupied the High Priest's 
chair of Columbian Encampment for two terms, and is a member of the 
Grand Encampment. 

ONSLOW GILMORE. 

Hon. Onslow Gilmore, one of Stoneham"s most prominent and esteemed 
citizens, and a leading financial man, was born in Bedford, N. H., March 8, 
1832, his parents being Isaac and Susan (Sprague) Gilmore. 

He lived on a farm and attended the district school of that place until 
fifteen years of age, when he removed to Medford, ALass., where he attended 
the High School for a year. 

He then served an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of a mason in 
Manchester, N. H., and in 1850 came to Stoneham. 

Here he did a successful business as a mason and builder until 1872. when 
he retired, and in 1873 was chosen Treasurer of the Stoneham P'ive Cents 
Savings Bank, which position he has since held. He has also done an in- 
surance business in connection with his position, and is a Director and 
Treasurer of the E. L. Patch Co. 

He has served as Town Treasurer since 1876 and was a member of the 
House of Representatives in 1876 and 1877, serving on the Finance and 
other committees. He was a member of the State Senate in 1883 and 1884, 
being Chairman of the Committee on Public Charitable Institutions during 
the celebrated hearing on the Tewksbury Almshouse which was conducted by 
General B. F. Butler, then Governor of the State. He was also on the 
Senate Committee on Banking and Treasury. 

Mr. Gilmore was married in Maiden, December 25, 1864, to Miss Abbie 
S. Bonney, of Norway, Me., and two daughters, Nellie and Susie, have been 
born to them and are both living. Mr. Gilmore resides in an attractive and 
substantial home on Main street. He is an attendant of the Congregational 
Church. 

He is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. and A. M., has taken a card 
from the Royal Arch Chapter and Hugh de Payens Commandery, of Melrose, 
of both of which he was a member, and is a member of Stoneham Council, 
American Legion of Honor. 




HON. ONSLOW GILMORE. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



209 



He enjoys the conndence of his fellow citizens to as great a degree as any 
citizen of the town, and has been honored with various town offices, including 
Selectman for four years. Assessor for two years. Chief Engineer of the Fire 
Department tor five years. Trustee of Lindenwood Cemetery for sixteen vears, 
Auditor for five rears, Highway Surveyor for two years, a member of the 
Water Committee for four years, in fact he has been chosen to about all the 
town offices except Overseer of the Poor, School Committee, and Trustee of 
the Public Library, and has been appointed on various important special 
committees, including school houses, appropriations, new streets, revising 
by-laws, &c. 

EDWIX A. \'INTO.\. 

Edwin Augustus \'inton. of the firm of \'inton i.K; Jenkins, shoe manufac- 
turers, was born in Melrose, JMass., August 29, 1S41, and is the son of Na- 
than A. and Mary G. (Brown) Vinton. His education was obtained in the 
public schools of Melrose, and in that town he also learned the trade of a 
shoemaker, at which he worked until twenty-one years of age. 

At that time, 1S62, the civil war was in progress and Mr. Vinton enlisted 
in Company G, 420! Mass. Vol. Infantry. 

January i, 1863, he was taken prisoner at Galveston, Texas, and detained 
for three months, when he was paroled and discharged, and afterwards en- 
listed for one hundred days in Company A. Sth Mass. Vol. Infantrv, this 
company being the Richardson Light Guards of Wakefield. During the time 
he was on this service the company was in Maryland. It was mustered out 
at the end of the term and Mr. Vinton returned to Melrose and resumed 
shoemaking. 

In 1870 he came to Stoneham and for eight years worked in the shoe fac- 
tories of the town, and was agent for the Middlesex Co-operative Boot& Shoe 
Co., when in 1878 he formed a copartnership for the manufacture of shoes 
with Frank B. Jenkins, which firm has continued since under the name of 
Vinton & Jenkins, a sketch of their business being given below. 

Mr. Vinton was married in Stoneham, December 25, 1870, to Miss Cath- 
erine C. Campbell, of this town. Five children have been born to them, 
three of whom are living, namely: Walter S., Edna Pearl and Katie May. 
Two sons have passed away. 

Mr. Vinton is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. and A. M., J. P. Gould 
Post 75, G. A. R., Stoneham Board of Trade, Stoneham Lodge, No. 371, 
K. ot H., of which he is a[Past Dictator, and Beulah Chapter, No. 11, Order 
of the Eastern Star. 

FRANKLIN P.. JENKINS. 

Franklin B. Jenkins, of the firm of \'inton >.\: Jenkins, shoe manufacturers, 
was bcrn in Bradford, Vt., July 23, 1837, and is the son of Joseph C. and 
Olive (Jackson) Jenkins. 
13 



2IO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

When eight years of age, 1S45. hecanie with his parents to Stoneham, 
where he attended the public schools, and in his time out of school between 
the ages of nine and eleven years he worked in a cotton factory and at the 
age of eleven commenced work at shoe making. He continued at school 
until his first year in the High School, which he attended a few months, 
since which time he has always been engaged at shoe making or in business 
for himself. His first work after leaving school was at pegging shoes on a 
"team" upstairs in the northern portion of the brick building now occupied 
by Mrs. Ira Gerry. Since that time he has learned the trade thoroughly in 
all its branches. 




FRANKLIX n. JENKINS. 



For three years. 1S61 to 1864, he lived inj Wisconsin, but previous to that 
had taken out work from Sweetzer & Battles and C. C. Dike & Co. 

Alter his return to Stoneham he manufactured' women's pegged shoes on 
his own account in 1S65 for a short time for' Western^ parties. 

He then bought out a custom shop in a building where the Odd Fellows' 
building now stands, where he continued making custonvboots and shoesfor 
awhile until his health began to fail, when^he|soldjout. 



moGRAPIIICAL SKETCHKS. 



He afterwards worked for Daniel Sprague for a short time and tlien went 
into the employ of F. S. Hill & Co., and remained with them for thirteen 
years, until they gave up business. For two years of this time he was on 
"team" work, and during the remaining eleven years finished bottoms of 
shoes by contract, from which he saved money enougli to furnisli him with 
capital with which to start in business for himself. 

In 1878 he formed a copartnership with Edwin A. \'inton under the firm 
name of \'inton cK: Jenkins, which firm has continued to the jjresent time. A 
sketch of the firm is given below. 

Mr. Jenkins was married October 3d, 1858. in Salem, Mass., to Mis.s 
Caroline Louise Lowe, of that city, and tliey have had three children, all of 
whom are living, namely : Carrie Louise, Edward Chester and Frank Austin, 
all of wliom are married, and the two sons are employed in their father's 
factory. 

Mr. Jenkins resides with his family in a home of his own on Middle street. 

He is a member of Columbian Lodge and Columbian Encampment, L O. 
O. F., has passed through the chairs of both and is a member of the Grand 
Lodge and Grand Encampment, and one of the Directors of the Odd Fellows' 
Hall Association. He is also a member of Evergreen Lodge, D. of R.. and 
of the Board of Trade and is an attendant at the Congregational Church. 

VINTON & JENKINS, SHOE MANUFACTURERS. 

The firm of Vinton & Jenkins was formed in 1878 and they commenced 
business in one room in the factory now occupied by Sanborn & Mann, mak- 
ing one case per day of misses and children's grain boots and shoes by 
machinery, and employing from twelve to fifteen hands. 

In 1881 nicy rcuT- v'.d to the Fitzgerald building, then just completed, on 
Hancock street, and increased their business while there to about ten cases 
per day and employed about seventy-five hands. 

In 1887 they removed to the factory of Drew & Buswell on Franklin street 
succeeding to and adding the business of this firm to their own. 

There they remained two years when they bought the factory and o-ood 
will of the business of the old Stoneham Co-operative Boot and Shoe Co. 
and removed to that building, located on Main street next south^of the fac 
tory of Sanborn & Mann. There they have continued to the present time 
and are among the largest manufacturers in Stoneham. 

They have also a factory in Barnstead, N. H., where they manufacture 
their cheaper class of goods, turning out ten cases per day and employino- 
seventy hands. The Stoneham factory is now devoted to misses' and'chil- 
dren's fine kid and goat boots and shoes, the output being twentv-five cases 
per day of seventy-two pairs each, one hundred and sixty-five! hands beino- 
employed. 



212 BIOGRAPHICAL SKFTCHES. 

They dispose of their product to the wholesale trade of the Western and 
Middle States. Their success is largely due to close application and careful 
attention to the details of their Inisincss. 

See Page 68 for view of their factory. 

J .SOX IS. SAXI'.OKX 

[ason Basford S.m'jorn, of Smboi'n c^ Hill, iioots and Shoes, etc., was 
born in Holderness. N. H., August iS. 1S34. and is tai son of Jeremiah 
ancF-Caroline (Basford) Sanlwrn. 

He was educated in the schools 01 his native town linishing in the Academy 
at Sanborntown Bridge, now Tiltnn, N. H. 




JASON B. SANBORN. 

He worked on his father's farm for a time and learned the trade of a shoe- 
maker in Holderness. He came to Stoneham in 1852 and worked at his 
trade lor about twenty years, when he bought out the retail boot and shoe 
store[of Andrew M. Latham, this being now the oldest in the town. For a 
year[or more he conducted the business alone and in 1S74 received as a part- 
ner Sidney A. Hill, who was then manufacturing childVen's hand-sewed boots 
and shoes for the New England trade. The two branches were combined 



BIOGRAI'HICAL SKKTCIIES. 2I3 

and have been coniinued in the same store on Main street up to the present 
time, the name of the tirm being Sanborn & Hill. 

Mr. Sanborn was married in Stoneham, October 21, 1S60, to Miss Emily 
J. Osgood, of this town. They have two children, viz. : Emma Florence, 
wife of J. E. Dutton. formerly of .Stoneham, and Warren Elmore, who is 
also married. 

Mr. Sanborn is a man much esteemed bv his fellow citizens, is a leader 
among them, and has been honoi'ed by them in man\' wavs. He is now 
Chairman of the IJoard oi Kcgistrr.rs of \"uters. a position which he has held 
for several _\ears. was Sekctn.cn. 1 l\\ g Clerk of the I^oard. for three years, 
1872. 3 and 4. was Frtsidtnt of tf.t .*-'!( ncham Board of Trade for two \'ears, 
was one of the incorpoiators o: tht S;oi.cham Co-optrative Bank, is now its 
President and has been a Director sii.ce it was organized, and is now a Di- 
rector in the 1. O. O. F. Building A.'-.'-ociaiion. He is a member of Colum- 
bian Lodge and Columbian Encrnijn.t nt. I. O. O. F.. of this town, having 
been through all the ofhces of Loth and become a member of the Grand 
Lodge and Grand Encampment, and is a m.ember of Stoneham Lodge. K. of 
H., and of the I'nitarian Church. 

SIDNEY A. HILL. 

Sidney Adelvin Hill, of Sanborn & Hill. Boots and Shoes, etc., son of 
Nehemiah and Hannah (Carter) Hill, was born in Stoneham, August 26; 
1849. He was reared and educated, and has. with the e.xception of a short 
period, always lived in this town. 

.•\fter leavin.;- school he worked in the shae factories of Stoneham for four 
years, and in Haverhill. .Mass.. for two years. He then engaged m the man- 
ufacture of children's hand-sewed boots and shoes for a time, and in 1874 
became a partner with Jason B. Sanborn, under the tirm name of Sanborn & 
Hill, and a steadily successful business has been the result. Combining big 
manufacturing with the retail business of .Mr. Sanborn, already established, 
they have continued to manufacture ladies" and children's hand-sewed boots 
and shoes tor the New Ergland trade, and also to retail boots and shoes to 
our own people, both branches of the trade being done in the store on .Main 
street. 

.Mr. Hill was married in .\ndover, Mass., June 20, 187 i, to .Miss Elizabeth 
H. Bard well, of that town. They have one daughter, Ora Bardwell Hill, 
who was the Salutatoiian of the graduating class of 1891 of the Stoneham 
High School. 

Mr. Hill is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. & A. i\L, Columbian 
Lodge and Columbian Encampment. L O. O. F., and Stoneham Lodge. K. 
of H. He has been through the High Priest's chair of Columbian Encamp- 
ment and is a member of the Grand Encampment. He was one of the incor- 



214 



lUOGRArmCAL SKETCHES. 



porators of the Stoiieham Co-operative Bank, has been a director since it was 
organized and is now Vice President, having; held that office for several 
years . 

LV.MAX DIKE. 

Colonel Lyman Dike was Ijorn in Stoneham. August 24, 1821, and is the 
son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Willey) Dike. 

He was educated in the public and private schools of the town, after which 
he ^\ent to work in the general store of his brother, Geo. \V. Dike, bv whom 
he was employed tive }ears. 




LV.MAX DIKE. 



In 1843 ^is formed a co-partnership with Alfred J. Rhoades and 
commenced the manufacture of shoes, they doing the work themselves at first 
and gradually putting on and increasing their help as the business progressed. 
From small beginning the business increased rapidly on account of their 
making a finer grade of goods than other manufacturers in the town. They 
virtually introduced a new class of goods which inji time revolutionized the 
business here. I'revious to their going into business only two kinds of sewed 
and one kind of pegged shoes were made, these being largely a cheaj) class 



P.IOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 2I5 

of children's red bottom goat and kid shoes. Rhoades & Dike manufactured 
light kid and goat, light bottom, pegged shoes, and orders came faster than 
the firm could fill them, and this led other manufacturers to making the same 
kind of goods. 

The firm of Rhoades & Dike was dissolved in 1848 and was succeeded 
by the firm of Lyman Dike & Co., consisting of Lyman and (ieorge W. 
Dike. They continued in business until 1855, manufacturing about half a 
million dollar's worth of goods a year, for the Western and .Southern trade. 

After 1855 Lyman Dike continued in business alone until 1885, when he 
retired, and has since devoted his time to farming, being now the proprietor 
of Marble Ridge Farm, a tract of al)out 150 acres in the southwestern part o' 
the town. Much of this land is what is called Bear Hill meadow and has 
been redeemed by Col. Dike, from the most improductive land into as produc- 
tive as any in the town. Through this meadow runs the brook which supplies 
the Winchester reservoir with water. At one time Col. Dike kept between 
60 and 70 milch cows and raised large quantities of milk, but about two years 
ago he sold oft' most of the cows and now keeps about half a dozen. He has 
also curtailed his vegetable raising and only cultivates six acres for this pur- 
pose and about thirty acres for hay. He leases eighteen acres to Captain D. 
T. Strange of Woburn, for market gardening. Col. Dike also owns real 
estate in other parts of the town ; including his homestead on Franklin street, 
corner of Pine, which he built in 1858 and has resided there ever since. 

Col. Dike was married at Reading. Mass., December 18, 1845, to Miss 
Eliza G. W^iley, of Stoneham, who is still living. Two daughters have been 
born to them, Sarah Jane, wife of Daniel S. Davis of Boston, and Cora Eliza 
who is unmarried and lives with her parents. 

Col. Dike has taken a great interest in the militia in his day and was 
largely instrumental in raising and forming Co. C, of the Seventh Regiment, 
in 185 I and was unanimously elected the first Captain of this company, which 
he commanded for two years when he was chosen Major of the regiment and 
.served in that capacity until 1855, when the regiment was disbanded by Gov. 
Gardner l)ut was immediately re-organized and he was unanimously re-elected 
as Major. 

In 1856 he was elected Lieutenant Colonel and 1858 Colonel of the regi- 
ment, receiving every vote in both elections. 

In Camp Banks, in 1859, "^^ Concord, Mass., when all the militia of the 
State were gathered together for the only time in their history, he was the 
Senior Colonel and for two days was in command of the Fourth Brigade. 

In 1 86 1 he was detailed by Governor Andrew to command a camp of 
instruction at Lynnfield, where four regiments were formed and sent to the 
seat of war, the ryth, igth. 22d and 23d. 

Early in the war of the Rebellion, Col. Dike offered to form a regiment 



2i6 BIOGKAI'HICAL SKETCHES. 

composed exclusively of colored troops, but the proposition was not accepted 
by President Lincoln. 

On the second call for men for service in the militia. Col. Dike's regiment 
was the first to report at headquarters in L5oston outside of the regular Boston 
troops. 

In 1S5S Dr. \\"m. H. Heath proposed to Col. Dike that if possible, all 
the private libraries in Stoneham be formed into a public library. These two 
gentlemen soon set to work to bring about this result and were successful, 
and over 1400 volumes were contributed by the various libraries of the town, 
and the Public Library opened in 1S59. Col. Dike wrs chairman of the 
Board of Trustees for thirteen years, and also of the Purchasing Committee. 
This Librarv was one of the first public libraries organized in the State, and 
it was instituted before the law was passed allowing towns to tax themsehes 
for the support of libraries. 

Col. Dike has been a leading citizen of the town, and has been honored 
with a number of public offices. He was a Selectman in 1S53. 18S1. 18S2, 
1SS6. and Assessor for several years, a member of the School Committee for 
eight vears. of the \\'ater Committee for four years, when water was intro- 
duced into the town, was also on the Committee on Appropriations for a 
number ot vears and chairman for some time, and has served the town on 
various other important committees. 

He has been a Special County Commissioner for nearly twenty years and 
still holds that position, and also represented his district in the Legislature in 
1S60. 

.Mr. Dike was one of the seven men who built the Stoneham Street Rail- 
wav. Was Director of the same from 1S60 to the date of its transfer to the 
East Middlesex in 1S88. being Superintendent for seven years, and Treasurer 
for twenty-six years : is at present one of the Directors. He was appointed 
Justice of the Peace in 1S51 and has held the office to the present time: has 
been a Notary I'ublic since 1883. He has been a trustee for fifteen years and 
^'ice President of the .Middlesex Agricultural Society for three years, and is a 
trustee of the Bay Slate Agricultural Society. 

He was active in the Fire Department at one time and wa*; foreman o( the 
Gen. Worth Engine Co. for a year and its Treasurer for two years. 

He is a member of Columbian Lodge, L O. O. F.. being the next to the 
oldest Odd Fellow in Stoneham. having joined Crystal Fount Lodge, in 
Woburn, in 1843. ^e has been through the chair of Columbian Lodge sev- 
eral times and is a member of the Grand Lodge. He also belongs to Co- 
lumbian Encampment. I. O. O. F.. was a charter member of King Cyrus 
Lodge, F. and .A. .M.. a charter member of Waverly Royal Arch Chapter, of 
Melrose, and was its Senior Warden, was a charter member of the Royal and 
Select ^Masters, of Melrose, and a charter member and Captain General of 
Hugh de Payens Commandery. of .Melrose. He is a 32d degree Mason. 



BIOGRAMIICAL SKETCHES 2 1/ 

He was one of the original members of Uie Sloneliam Board of Trade, 
and one of the organizers of the Unitarian Churcli and was on the standing 
committee of the Church during its separate existence as a society. 

He was the lirst President of the Sloneham Co-opt;rative Bank, Ijeing one 
of its organi7,ers, and was continued in that office for nearly three years, and 
has been one of the Trustees of the Stoneham Five Cent Savings Bank since 
soon after its organization. He was President of this l^ank tor eight years, 
and one of the Investing Committee for about twelve years. 

For several years during the war he was a director of :\lonim-ient Bank of 
Charleslown. .Mass. 

UK. A. H. CdWDKEV. 

Arthur Harris Cowdrey. M. D.. was born in Acton. .Mass.. January 17, 
1836, and is the son of Harris and Abigail (Davis) Cowdrey. His father 
was a physician and practised for tiny years in Acton, although he was born 
on Cowdrey"s Hill, m Wakefield. 

The su])ject of this sketch obtained his early schooling in Acion. and 
afterwards attended the Lawrence .Acadx;m\-. in Grolon. .Mass.. where he fitted 
for college and graduated, but owing to ill health he did not t:.ke a coUci^iate 
course but studied medicine with his father. He attended one course at the 
Berkshire .Medical .School, in Pitistield. .Mass.. and three courses at Harvard 
Medical School, from which he graduated in 1S57. He then practised med- 
icine with his father in Acton for six months and spent the next winter in 
Philadelphia, attending the Jefferson .Medical School and the University. 

in the spring ot 1S50 he went to Stowe. Mass.. where he remained in the 
practice of his profession until .August. i<S62. when he wcut into the aimy, 
having been appointed iry Governor .Andi'ew Assistant Surgeon ol the Seventh 
Mass. Vol. Infantry. He was in the second batiie of Lull Run. .Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, under Generals i'urriside and Hooker, and at Gett\sburg- 
under Gen. Meade, his regiment being of tne tanious Sixth Corps, lu Oc- 
tober, 1863, he was appointed Surgeon ot the 37th Regiment. U. S. Colored 
Troops, by President Lincoln, and went first to Xewbern, X. C. where he 
stayed a short time and then went to Norfolk, Va.. his regiment joining the 
Army of the Janus unuer Gen. Butler. Here they passed the winter and in 
the spring went up the James River with Gen. Butler's troops. The 37th 
Regiment landed at Powhatan, remained there awhile, and were then located 
at Wilson's Landing until General (Jrant came from Cold Harbor across the 
river. The 37th Regiment, then of Gen. Wilde's Brigade, joined Gen. 
Grant's forces and went to tVont of Petersburg, being th.re during a portion 
of the summer and at the camp near Dutch Gap during the balance. Dr. 
Cowdrey was on detached service through the fall at the hospital near Point 
of Rocks, on the .Aijpomattox River. 





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220 r.IOCiKAl'HU AL SKETCHES. 

When Gen. Butler wein on his Fori Fisher e.xpedition Dr. Cowdrey was 
ordered on to tlie steamer Western .Metropolis as Surgeon in charge of medi- 
cal supplies. Under Gen. Terry, who relieved Gen. Butler, Dr. Cowdrey 
was returned to dut\- in the 37th Regiment and went with his regiment through 
Wilmington. X. C to Raleigh, the regiment being engaged in some skir- 
mishing on the wav. From Raleigh they went back to Wilmington and the 
war being over Dr. Cowdrey r^sigred. His resignation was accepted June 
22, 1865. and he was mustered out. 

July 22G of' that year he came to Stoneham and has practised surgery and 
medicine steadilv ever snice. Being a skilful surgeon and a physician ofknowl- 
edge and good judgment he has accjuired the confidence of the people and 
has an extensive practice. He boarded for two years with Mrs. John Hill, 
and then built the house in the square wl.ere he lived until 1SS9. when he 
purchased the magnificent mansion on Maple strtet where he now resides. 
It is one of the tinest and most costly residences in Middlesex County. 

He was married in Boston, Februar}' 16, ii>S9- ^o Miss Mary W. Emery, 
of Boston, and they have had two daughters, both living, namely: Maud 
Harlow and Helen Walcott Cowdrey. 

Like all acti\-e and bus\- men Dr. Cowdrey is connected with numerous 
societies and institutions. He is a pronunent member of the Congregational 
Church, of which he hr.s been ;.n assts.'-or for years, is a member of King 
Cyrus Lodge. F. and A. M.. and was formtrl} an active member of the Royal 
Arch Chapter and De Mola} Comniander}-. of ^Melrose, but being unable to 
attend the mee'ings oa account of press ol other duties he took out a card 
from these societies. He is a member of Columbian Lodge, L O. O. F., 
Stoneham Council. American Legion of Honor. ^liddlesex East District 
Medical Society, and St..te of Mass. Medical Society, served three years on 
the Board of Sch.oul Coir.mittte in the early part of his residence in Stone- 
ham, is now Town llusician. \'ice-Prcsidcnt of the Stoneham Five Cent 
Savings Bank, of x^ldth he was a Trustee for i.early liftetn years, a Director 
in the Stoneham National Lank ;,nd Stoneham Co-operative Bank. He is a 
public spititcd citizen r.nd has bttn one of the ir.cst active pushers in bring- 
ing to a successtul issue tb.e railrocxl scheme by which the town is to be con- 
nected by a short rou^e to Boston via tb.e Loslcn & .Maine R. R.. this latter 
project when completed, being considered the n ost important event in the 
history of the town. 

FKl-.D E. MCKERSON. 

Fred Everson Nickerson. Assistant Treasurer of the Stoneham Five Cent 
Savings Bank, is the son cf Joseph G. and Isabella E. ( Fort ) Nickerson, 
and was born in Chelsea. .Ma^s.. June 16. 1862. His parenis removed to 
Stoneham when he was an infant and he has since resided in this town. 

He was educated in the public schools of Stoneham, and af'terwards at- 



T;if;(.K.\I'Hl(. AL '•KKTCHES. 221 

tended the Hry ant C\; Stratton Con-.n-,trtial Colltiie. I'oston. Upon leaving 
the College he was engaged by a Boston rirni as bookkeeper. After remain- 
in"' there two years he was appointed Assistant Treasurer of the Savings 
Bank, which position he has now held for nine years. 



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FREO E. NICKEKSON. 

Mr. Xickerson was married in Stoneham November 22, 1888, to Miss Ida 
B. Clemson, of this town. They have no children. They reside on the 
corner of Pine and Middle Streets and are attendants at the Unitarian 
Church. 

Mr. Nickerson was a Town Auditor for four years, from 1886 to 1890. He 
is an expert accountant and a young man much liked and greatly respected in 
the community. 

Hir.BARD COI'ELAND. 

Hubbard Copeland, of the firm of Copeland & Bowser, Dry Goods Deal- 
ers, Stoneham, Woburn and Reading, was born in Reading, Mass., Decem- 
ber 18, 1845, ^"<^ is the son of Elbridge and Ruth (Mead) Copeland. 

When about six years of age he went to live with a relative in Washing- 
ton, N. H., where he worked on a farm until he attained his majority. 
While there he attended the public schools of the town and also Marlow 
Academy, in the adjoining town of Marlow. 



222 lUOCJKAPHICAL SKKTCHKS. 

He then retuint'cl to Reading; and became a clerk in the drv goods store of 
Franklin Fletciier. where lie was employed until 1.S71. when he formed a 
partnership with Robert Howser and ()i)ened a dry good's store in Reading. 
In 1874, Richard L. Bowser, a brother of Rol;ert liowser, was admitted to 
the firm and Copcland, Bowser & Co. opened another store in Stoneham, 
still continuing the Reading store. 

January 17. 1S76, Mr. Copeland came to Stoneham to live and remained 
here until Alay i, I1S79. when the tirm opened another store in VVoburn and 
Mr. Copeland went to that town to take charge ot" the new enterprise, and 
has since resided there. .All three stores have been maintained up to the 
present time and a prosperous Inisincss done. Rol)ert Bowser died in 1886, 
and the business has been conducted since under the firm name of Copeland 
& Bowser. 




HU1U;.\RD COPKL.\XD. 

Mr. Copeland was married in Charlestown, .September 17, 1889, to Miss 
Wilhelmina Smith, a native of Durham, N. H. 

He has been an inlluential mcmlicr of the .Methodist Episcopal Church for 
many years, having united with that denomination twenty-seven years ago 
while living in New Plampshire. On returning to Reading he was transferred 
to the M. E. Church in that town and while there was Steward and a Trus- 
tee. On removing to .Stoneham he was again transt'erred and became Stew- 
ard of the .Stoneham .M. E. Church, and since residing in W'oburn has con- 



223 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKKTCUES. 



nected himself with the Methodist Episcojjal Church in that city and is now 
Superintendent of the Sabbath School. 

KKHAKI) L. noWSKK. 

Richard L. Bowser, son of Robert and Jane Bowser was born at Sackville. 
New Brunswick, Feb. 4th, 1S40. Tlie early years of his life were spent on 
his father's farm. He attended the common schools of his native place, .sub- 
sequently attending a lew terms at the Mount Allison Academy. 

He .spent five years in tlie tmplov of a mercantile house in St. John, N. B. 
Coming to Stoneham in Jul}. 1865, he entered the employ of John Hill & 
Co., shoe manufacturers, wliere he spent eight years, and then for one year 
had charge of the finishing department at C. H . Darling iS: Co. "s. Wakefield, 




RICHARD L. BOWSER. 

Mass. Being very ambitious and having a strong desire to return to mercan- 
tile life, and being convinced that there was a good opening in Stoneham for 
a large dry goods and gents" furnishing business, he severed his connection 
with that firm and entered into a co-partnership with Hubbard Copeland and 
Robert Bowser, Jr., who were already establisb.cd in that business at Read- 
ing, Mass., and in October, 1874, coiriinenctd a business that has been con- 
tinued with marked success. In April, 1879, they enlarged their business, 
still more by opening a large store in Woburn, Mass. 



2 2J. 



I'.KKiKAl'HICAL .SKICTCHES. 



Mr. rjowser was married Dec. 24th, 1S70. to Klla F., daughter of Francis 
and Hannah F. Hill. They have one .son. Horace 

Mr. Bowser has been a ir ember of the Board of Trustees of the M. E. 
Churcii for 24 years and holds several offices in the Church. He is a mem- 
ber of Columbian Lodge. I. O. O. F.. and Stoneham Lodge, K. of H.. and 
also a member of the Board of Trade, having served two years as its 
Treasurer. 

Few towns of Stoneham's size can boast of as large and complete a store 
as Mr. Bowser's. It has grown with the town, and its owner by his public 
spirit and lilieralit}- has re])eatedly shown that he appreciates the fact that his 
interest and that of the citizens are identical. 




DR. GEORGE W. NICKERSOX. 

George Wheaton Nickerson, M. D., one of the leading physicians of 
Stoneham, is the son of Joseph and Eliza P. (Chase) Nickerson, and was 
born in West Tisbury, Mass., February 7, 1852. His early education was 
obtained in the district school of his native town and in Duke's County 
Academy, also located in West Tisbury. He afterwards attended the Wes- 
leyan University at Middletown, Conn., and from there went to New York, 
where he attended a full four years' course at the College of Physicians and 



RIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



225 



Surgeons of New York City. He practised his cliosen profession in New 
York City from 1878 to 1884, and in January of the latter year came to 
Stoneham, where he has since resided and has succeeded in securing an ex. 
tensive practice in medicine and surgery. 

He has never beer, married but resides with his mother on Central Street, 
near Church Square. 

He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Middlesex 
East District Medical Society, the Boston Gynecological Society, Fells Lodge 
A. O. U. W., and Bear Hill Assembly, Royal Society of Good Fellows, and 
is^an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

LEONARD PAGE BENTCX. 

Leonard Page Benton, shoe manufacturer, was born in Plymouth, N. H., 
April^29, 1837, and is the son of Zenas D. and Priscilla E. (Flanders) 
Benton. 







LE(JXARI) P. ISENTON. 



He attended the public schools of his native town, and at an early age 
learned the trade of a shoemaker in Auburn, N. H., making shoes sent from 
Haverhill, Mass. 

15 



226 BIOGRArFlICAL SKETCHES. 

He worked there at his trade until the war broke out, and on October lo,. 
1861. enlisted in Co. E, 8th Regiment, N. H. Vol. Inf. His regiment was 
attached to and went with Gen. Butler's New England Division to Ship Is- 
land ; was with Gen. Butler at the capture of New Orleans. He was at the 
capture of Fort Hudson, 1863. and in the Red River campaign in 1864. He 
was made a prisoner May 15, 1864, at Yellow Bayou, near the Red River, 
and taken to Camp Ford, near T}Ier, Texas. Was exchanged October 20, 
1864, and returned to his regiment. He was mustered out January 5, 1865, 
after serving three years and three months, being in active service in the field 
most of the time. 

He returne ; to Ashland, X. H., and resumed shoemaking, coming to 
Stoneham in 1869 arid working in the factories of Hill & Messer and others 
until 1876, when he started in business for himself and has continued to the 
present time. 

]\Ir. Benton was married in Campton, N. H., to .Miss Harriet A. Avery, 
of that town, November 29, 1861, and two children have been born to them, 
Herbert L., who died at the age of five years, and Edna Alice, wife of Wm. 
P. Fletcher, of this town. 

Mr. Benton became one of the first members of Co. H, 6th Regiment, 
Stoneham Light Intantry. when this company was transferred to Stoneham 
in 1882, and remained with it five years, being appointed First Sergeant and 
rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant. He is a Past Commander of J. P. 
Gould Post j^, G. A. R., a member of Columbian Lodge, Columbian En- 
campment, Evergreen Lodge D. of R., and Canton Fells, I. O. O. F., and 
having passed through the chairs of both the Lodge and Encampment has 
become a member of the Grand Lodge and Encampment. He was a charter 
member of and one of the most active in organizing Miles Standish Colony, 
United Order of Pilgrim Fathers, has been through all the offices and is now 
a permanent member of the Supreme Colony. He was a member of the 
Board of Selectmen in 1886. 

IILSIXESS CAREER. 

In April, 1876, Mr. Benton began the manufacture of children's hand- 
sewed, turned, ankle ties in a room about 10x12 feet in dimension, in Aaron 
HilTs building on Franklin Street, employing three men and having a portion 
of the work done outside. In October, 1876, he removed to Round's build- 
ing, corner of Main and Maple Streets, put in machinery, and commenced 
the manufacture of children's grain boots and shoes, employing four men 
and h\it girls the first winter and turning out one case per day. In the fall of 
1877 he moved into John Hill's building, on Main street, and occupied a 
whole floor, employing about thirty men, women and girls and turning out 
two cases or more i)er day. Here he remained two years and when the Fitz- 
Gerald building was completed he moved into that where he still further in- 



BIOCiRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 227 

creased his capacity, employing tifty liands with an output of about six cases 
per day. About a year ago he commenced to change from grain goods to 
kid and goat and now manufactures misses' and children's fine quality boots 
and shoes in the Battles' shop, on Main street, which he purchased nearly 
six years ago, moving into it on the Fourth of July, 1885. Since he has been 
there he lias employed on an average from fifty-live to sixtv hands and is 
manufacturing forty cases ]Der weel< for the New England trade. As one of 
the fruits of his business enterprise Mr. Benton has built and lives in a sub- 
stantial residence on the corner of Main and Benton Streets, nearly opposite 
his factory. 

EDWARD F. SANBORX. 

Edward Francis Sanborn, although not a resident of Stoneham, is closely 
identified with the leading industry of the town, being the senior partner of 
the firm of Sanborn & Mann, one of the two largest shoe manufacturing firms 
in Stoneham. 

He was born in Boston in July, 1846, and was educated in the public 
schools of that city. 

There he also became familiar with the shoe business, aixl in 1881 be^'an 
the manufacture of shoes in this town in co-partnership with Arthur E. Mann, 
and they have continued up to the present time, manufacturing a medium 
grade of men's and women's shoes, mostly for the southern and western 
trade. 

They occupy the John Hill & Co. factory on Main Street, where they have 
been ever since they started, and their office in Boston is at 51 Lincoln 
Street. 

The firm began moderately, but now employ about 400 hands, the build- 
ing having been twice added to during the ten years they have been in 
business. 

Mr. Sanborn lives in a handsome residence in Winchester, Mass. 

See page 52 for view of their factory. 

CHARLICS O. CrRRIER. 

Charles (,)/.ni Currier, druggist and manufacturer of carbonated bevera<>-es 
was born in Warner, X. H., June 28, 1856, and is the son of Ransom and 
Mary (Chase) Currier. 

His early schooling was obtained in the common schools of his native 
town, and afterwards he attended the public schools of Lynn, lALa.ss., <n-adu- 
ating from the Lynn High School. 

He also attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, in Boston, and 
is a graduate of that institution. 

He worked in a drug store in Lynn for several 3 ears and came to Stoneham 
in ALarch, 1877, a few months before he attained his majoritv. 



228 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

He started in the drug business for himself in Stoneham in 1877 in 
his present store, and has since continued. In 1886 he commenced the 
manufacture of Carbonated Beverages (soda water, &c.) and has added new 
machinery each year since, and is now doing quite an extensive business in 
that line in supplying the trade of H tor d\;;i-. In iS.'.'p he put in an Otto 
Gas Engine. His store is located on Central Street, and the manufactory it 
in' the basement. 

Mr. Currier was married in Stoneham, October 29, 1879, to Jvliss Alma R, 
Cowdrey of this town, and three childrui h.ave been the fruit of the union, 
one of whom, Edson Cowdrey, is living. 

Mr. Curlier is a Past Grand of Columbian Lodge, No. 29. I. O. O. F., a 
Past High Priest of Columbian Encampment, No. 43, 1. O. O. F., of which 
he is also Treasurer, and is Clerk of Canton Fcl's, P. M., I. O. O. F. 




W. E. CL.AKlv. 

Warren Edwin Clark is the largest retail dealer in kitchen furnishing goods, 
hardware, paints, oils and woodenware, having two spacious stores, one on 
Main street and the other on Franklin Street. He was born in Derry, N. 
H., April 20, 1847, •'^'■'fl '■'^ t'l^ ■'^O''' of William D. and Klmira E. (Dodge) 
Clark, being one of a family of twelve children. He was educated in the 
pubKc schools of his native town and at Pinkerton Academy, [*' also in Derry.] 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



229 



In 1864, at the a^je of seventeen years, lie enlisted in the First N. H^ 
Cavalry for three years, and served for nine months, until the close of the 
war, being mustered out of service in June, 1865. He returned to his home, 
where he remained until just before he attained his majority, attending school 
for a short time and working the balance of the time on his father's farm. 
After leaving home he worked in the grocery business in Nashua, N. H., 
and Woburn, Mass., about sixteen years, and came to Stoneham in 1884. 
His first business venture was in a small way in the retailing of crockery and 
five and ten cent goods in a store on Main Street. His honorable 
methods and sterling character won confidence, and in his seven years career 
he has made rapid strides, steadily increasing his facilities and stock until he 
now occupies the large deparlment store on Main street, next to the one in 
which he commenced business, which he devotes to household furnishings, 
crockery, &c., and the store on Franklin street, where he keeps an extensive 
assortment of builders' hardware, tools, paints, &c. He was married at 
Woburn, October 27, 1870, to Miss Flora E. Bell, of North Woburn, and 
in her he has found a true helpmeet. They have no children. 

Mr. Clark has always been active in religious work and is a member of the 
Stoneham Baptist Church, being a deacon and superintendent of the Sabbath 
School. He is a thorough believer in temperance and a member of Helping 



^^^C^^^- 




W. E. CLARK'S DEPARTMENT STORE. 

Hand Temple of Honor. He also belongs to the Young Men's Christian 
Association and to j. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., of this town. He has 
no partner in business, but notwithstanding he is consequently a busy man 
he finds time to visit his parents three or four times a year at the old home 
in New Hampshire. 



230 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORCE H. HOLUEN. 

George Henry Holdcn, of Holden Brothers, provisions, etc., Main Street, 
was born in Billerica, Mass., January 22, 1849, and is tlie son of Amasa and 
Celia (Foster) Holden. 

He was educated in the ]nii)lic schools of ISillerica, Woburn and Boston, 
and in the Brvant lK: Stratton Business Colleije. Boston. 




(iKOlKiE H. H0I.I)1;N. 

After that he wv..t ,0 v. oiu iu the j^iocery store of W. A. Holmes & Co., 
opposite the Boston & Lowell depot. Causeway Street, Pjoston, where he was 
employed for eight years. 

In the fall of 1873 ^^^ came to Stoneham and bought out Mr. Tweed's in- 
terest in the firm of Kittredge & Tweed and was in business with Mr. 
Kittredge about one and a half years, when he formed a co-partnership with 
his brother Amasa A., who had been empiloyed in the store, and to whom 
Mr. Kittredge sold his interest. The Holden brothers have done a success- 
ful business from that time to the present at the same place, which is the 
oldest provision stand in the town. About eight years ago a grocery depart- 
ment was added to the business. 



mOC.RAl'HICAL SKETCHES. 23 I 

Mr. Ilolden was married at Medtord, Mass., June 20, 1875, *^o Miss Sarah 
J. Cutter, of West Cambridge, now .Arlington, and two ciiildren, Kfiie C. 
and George H. Jr., have been born to tliem and are now living. 

Mr. Holden is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., an attendant 
at the Unitarian Church, and resides with his family on Walnut street. 




A. A. HOLDEN. 



Amasa Albert Holden. of Holden Brothers, provision dealers, is the son 
of Amasa and Celia (Foster) Holden, was born in Billerica, Mass., April 29, 
1847, and was educated in the public schools of Billerica and Woburn. 

He came to Stoneham in the fall of 1865 where he learned the trade of a 
shoemaker, and worked in the shoe factories until 1871, when he went to 
work in the provision store of Kittredge & Tweed and continued with Kit- 
tredge & Holden after his brother George bought out the intei-est of Mr. 
Tweed. In 1875 ^^^- ^- '^- Holden purchased Mr. Kittredge's interest and 
the two brothers formed a co-partnership, which has been continued to the 
present time and a prosperous business done. 

Mr. Holden was united in marriage Dec. 13, 1S79, at .Stoneham, to Miss 
Lora A. Thompson, daughter of Jonathan Thompson, of this town. They 



232 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

have had two children, both of whom are living, namely: Lester Dorr and 
Amasa Albert, Jr. 

Mr. Holden and family reside on WarrenJStreet. 

Mr. Holden is an attendant at the Unitarian Church, and is a member of 
Stoneham Lodge, K. of H., and Fells Lodge, A. O. U. W. 

WILLIAM H. SPRAGUE. 

William Henry Sprague, Chairman of the JSoard of Selectmen, and Super- 
intendent of Streets, was born in Stoneham, June 27, 1845, '^"^ is the son 
of John and Martha A. (Sprague) Sprague, his father being a native of 
Northern Vermont and his mother of Stoneham. 

He attended the public schools of Stoneham and after leaving school 
worked in the shoe factories until 1874, when with his brother, John F., he 
opened a retail shoe store on Cambridge street, Boston. They continued at 
this location about five years, the firm being called .Sprague Brothers. At 
the end of that time the subject of our sketch purchased his brother's interest 
and removed the store to Hanover street, where he continued for nine years, 
until the fall of 1888, conducting the business alone. Having a good otter 
for his stock and good will he sold out without any previous intention of so 
doing, as he had been successful from the time he began to do business. 

At that time Mr. Sprague was a stockholder of the Union store, a grocery 
and provision store on Central street, Stoneham, of which he had been selected 
by the corporation for three years as manager. Mr. Sprague with others 
bought out the business and from this time for about a year it was carried on 
in the name of Wm. H. Sprague & Co., Mr. Sprague conducting the business 
personally. At the end of that time it was closed out. For a short period 
in i8go Mr. Sprague was in compan\- with L. P. Benton in the manufacture 
of shoes. 

In April, 1887, he was elected as a member of the Board of Selectmen and 
was cho.sen Chairman by his associates. He has been re-elected each year, 
being now in his fifth term, and has continued as Chairman of the Board, 
directing the aftairs of the town with such firmness, fidelity and good judg- 
ment as to give general satisfaction and to win as supporters many who 
originally opposed his election. For three years he has been chosen by the 
Board as .Superintendent of Streets and has given a large share of his time 
to personally supervising the construction and repair of the highways. In 
fact, most of his time is now given to the duties of his public offices. Mr. 
Sprague was Collector of Taxes for the year 1889. 

He has never been married but resides with his mother and brother on 
Gould street. 

He is a member of Columbian Lodge and Columbian Encampment, I. O- 
O. F., having been through the chair of the latter and become a member of 
the Grand Encampment. He was a charter member of Evergreen Lodge, D. 




WILLIAM H. SPRAGUE. 



234 



H1()(,K AI'IIICAL SKETCHES. 



of R., and has'been Banneret with rank of Lieutenant, in Canton Fells, P. 
M., for three years, being on the staff of Colonel Ralph and others of the 
order. He is also a member ot' Stoneham Council, A. L. of H., and High- 
land Council, O. U. A. .M. 




John Fr.inklin iScrrv. ret lil dealer in Duots and shoes, hats and gents' fur- 
nishing goods, was born in raniworth. X. H.. .May 22. 1840, and is the son 
of John and Louisa (Jackson ) Kerry. 

He attended the schools or' his native town until fourteen years of age, 
when, nis father being a man without means and having ten children to sup- 
port, he st.u'ted out to earn his own living and came to .Stoneham in Septem- 
ber, i<S54. and entered a shoemakei's shop to learn the trade. He worked 
for Roljert Cireenleaf until 1S5.X when lie olitained employment with John 
Hill & Co., on the t)pening of their new factor}- in that year. Here he 
worked until the breaking out of the civil war. 

About the last of April, [861, he enlisted for three years in Co. G, 13th 
Mass. Vol. Infantry, went to Foit Independence, was mustered into service 
July 16, and left Boston for Hagerstown, .Md., July 29. He was with his 
regiment until Mav 24, i.Sf)2. wlien he was taken sick and was confined in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 235 

the hospital until January, 1863, when he was able to come liome on a fur- 
lough, and on February 26th he was discharged for disability. 

In September of that year he resumed shoemaking and continued working 
at his trade until 1872. In September of 1872 lie opened a retail store for 
the sale of boots and shoes, hats and caps and gents" furnishing goods on 
Central Street, opposite the Central House, and in 1874 removed to his 
present location, where he has since remained, and has the distinction of 
having been engaged the longest in his line of business of any one in town. 
He has the confidence of the people, is very popular and has alv. ays 'done an 
excellent business. 

He was married November 26. 1863, at Charlestown, Mass., to Miss 
Mary A. Jones, of Stoneham. They reside on Warren street. Fi\e chikhen, 
four daughters and one son have been born to them, two of whom are living, 
viz: Emma Amelia and Charles Jesse. 

Mr. Berry enHsted in Co. H, 6tli Regiment, M. \\ .M., wlien that company 
was transferred ifrom Milbury to this town in 1882, and became the Stone- 
ham Light Infantry. He was the first man to sign the roll l)Ook. May 12, 
1882. and was elected Second Lieutenant, June 8. 1882, First Lieutenant, 
June 23, 1882, land Captain, September 4. 1883. He was with the company 
four years and four months, being three years in command. 

Captain Berry served as Representative in the Legislature in 1879, '^'^"^^ 
again in 1880. ' 

He is a Past Commander of J. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., having been 
Commander for two years, is a member of Columbian Lodge and Columlnan 
Encampment. 1. O. O. F., and having passed through the chairs of both is a 
member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment, and belongs to Ever- 
green Lodge. D. ofR., Wamscott Tribe. I. O. R. M., Stoneham Lodge, K. 
of H., Miles Standish Colony, U. O. P. F.. and King Cm'us Lodge, F. and 
A. M. ■ . ■ 

O. H. .MARSTON. 

Col. Oliver Hutchins .Marston. hardware dealer, picture frame mai utac- 
turer, &c., was uorn in Sandwich, X. H.. Dec. 17, 1837, and is the son of 
Caleb M. and Betsey H. (Ambrose) Marston. 

His early scnooiing was obtained in the common schools of Sandwich, and 
he afterwards attended the High School in Stoneham, to which town he 
came first in 1855. 

- After leaving the latter school he went to work in the shoe factories o 
Stoneharii, where he was employed about a year and a half, and then returned 
to his native town and went into manufacturing pails, in which business he 
continued about three years, or until the breaking out of the war in 1861, 
when he raised the larger part of a company of volunteers in Sandwich, . was 
commissioned captain, and with his company was assigned to the Fourteenth 



236 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



N. H. Vol. Infantry. Their first duty was at PooLsville. Maryland, after 
which they were stationed in Washington, D. C, for nine months, and from 
there went to New Orleans, La., and up the river to Morganzia. They had 
started with the intention of joining General Banks but failed on account of 
delay. At Morganzia Captain Marston was taken sick and in the meantime 
his regiment went to the Shenandoah Valley, and joined deneral Sheridan. 
Captain Marston recovered sufficiently to rejoin his regiment in the Shen- 
andoah in Sep'.ember, and was in the memorable battle of Cedar Creek, to 
which General Sheridan made his famous ride. 









J, 




' i 


fmT^ 


r-^i^ jiv\ 




*m 


"" J 




' ^si^ 







0. H. iMAKSTON. 



In twenty minutes after the battle commenced, Captain T. A. Ripley, the 
officer in command of the regiment, was taken prisoner, and it fell upon Cap- 
tain Marston to assume command, which he did. He was wounded through 
the left arm early in the morning, but retained command of the regiment 
through the battle, and his wound was not dressed until evening, twelve 
hours after he was shot. 

Capt. Marston remained with his regiment, still in command, for about 
three months, during six weeks of the time carrying his arm in a sling. At 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 23/ 

the end of that period he was relieved of his command !:)}' Major Tolman. 
At this time they were in Savannah, Georgia. 

Soon after Major Tolman took charge- of the regiment, Captain Marston 
was commissioned a Lieut. Colonel and again placed in command. From 
Savannah they marched to Augusta, Georgia, and the morning they arrived 
there the regiment, under Colonel Marston. was detailed to escort Jefferson 
Davis, then just ijrought into the city from his ignominous capture, from the 
railroad station to the steamboat by which he was taken to Savannah. With 
Jefferson Davis were Alexander H. Stevens and several of Davis' cabinet 
officers, who had also been captured. 

Col. Marston's regiment remained in Augusta for awhile and then marched 
to Savannah, took boat to Hilton Head and another boat to Boston. They 
were mustered out and discharged in Concord, N. H., in July, 1865. 

After the war Colonel Marston was in trade, in a general store, for him- 
self in Sandwich, N. H., until he came to Stoneham again in 1869, where 
he has since continued to reside and do business. 

He first went into the sewing machine business, selling machines and 
furnishing parts and doing repairs, and with this he joined the picture-frame 
business, in which latter he has since continued. His first place of business 
was up stairs in the Whittier building, where he remained until his father-in- 
law, Hazen Whilcher, started a hardware store in a store below, when he 
removed down and occupied the store with him. Here they remained until 
1876 when they removed to their present store in Dow's building. About 
five years ago Mr. Whitcher gave up active business, since which time Col. 
Marston has conducted both the hardware and picture-frame business, both 
of which are prosperous. 

Col. Marston was united in marriage in Readirg to Miss Sarah R. Whit- 
cher, daughter of Hazen Whitcher, of this town, July I, 1862, and they 
have had one daughter, Mary W., who is now the wife of A. L. Souther, 
druggist, Boston. 

Col. Marston was a member of the Stoneham School Committee for three 
years, and Chief-of-Police for two years. He is a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church of which he has been an assessor for ten or more years. 

He is also a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. and A. M., of which he 
was one of the charter members and the first Worshipful Master, is a mem- 
ber and a Past Dictator of Stoneham Lodge, K. of H., a member and a Past 
Commander of Stoneham Council, A. L. of H., and a member of J. P. 
Gould Post 75, G. A. R. 

He resides on Pomeworth Street. 

JOSEPH THEOBALD. 

Joseph Theobald, retail dealer in stoves, kitchen furnishing goods, etc., 
was born in Burv St. Edmunds, the countv seat of Suftblk Countv, England, 



238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKKTCHES. 

June 24, 1842. He is the son of George and Martha (Webb) Theobald. 

His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native town. 
He came to the United States with his parents when tifteen years of age, 
settling in Framingham, Mass., and attended Bills' and Comers Commercial 
Colleges in Boston. 

He afterwards served a full apprenticeship at the trade of painting and 
decorating and worked at this trade in and about Boston for about twelve 
years. 

In April, 1869, he came to Stoneham and with his brother started in the 
business in which he is now engaged, that of retailing stoves a nd furnaces 
and kitchen furnishing goods and doing plumbing. The business has always 
been carried on under the name of J. Theobald, although his brother was 
associated with him for ten years, when they separated, and since then Mr. 
Theobald has been the sole proprietor and has done a steadily successful 
business and is the longest established in his line and next to the longest 
established trader in Stoneham. 

Mr. Theobald was married in P'itchburg, August 14. 1866, to Miss Emma 
Hawes, of Fitchburg. They have three children living, Alfred Neal, Joseph 
Augustus and Emma Adelia. and have buried one son. who died in infancy. 

Mr. Theobald is a meniber of Columbian Lodge and Columbian Encamp- 
ir.ent, I. O. O. F., of Kmg Cyrus Lodge, F. .S: A. M., being a charter 
member, and is a Past Dictator of Stoneham Lodge, Knights of Honor. He 
has passed through the chair of Columbian Encampment, L O. O. F., and is 
a member of the Grand Encampment. He is an attendant at the Congrega- 
tional Church. 

HERBERT P. HOWE. 

Herbert Peter Howe, Baker, was born in Benton, N. H., March 27, 1859, 
and is the son of Moses W. and Laura C. (White) Howe. 

He was educated in the public schools of Georgetown and Stoneham, this 
State, coming to Stoneham with his i)arents when he was seven years of 
age. 

At the age of eighteen he was employed in the pastry department of the 
Sinclair House, Bethlehem, N. H., the next to the largest summer hotel in 
that White Mountain resort. In 1882 he entered the employ of Andrew 
Brown, Domestic Baker, Stoneham, and in 1887 he bought the business 
from Mr. Brown and has conducted it to the present time, doing a success- 
ful business. His store and bakery are located on Central Street. 

Mr. Howe is unmarried, is an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Stoneham Ath- 
letic Club. 



240 



lilOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



T. E. ROLFE. 

Timothy Emery Rolfe, proprietor of -'The Gilt Edge House," was born 
in Fislierville, now Penacook, N. H., July 17, 1845, on the banks of the 
Merrimac river, within a few rods of the spot where Hannah" Dustin slew the 
Indians. He is the son of Timothy C. and Eliza Ann (Emery) Rolfe. 

He obtained a good education in the schools of Fisherville, the Elmwood 
Literary Institute at Boscawen, N. H., and the Kimball rnion Academy, at 
Meriden, N. H., finishing in 1865. 



"^ ■ i, ' .W!»; ' t'-'W".-W4tJ<WUK!l>-J. iJ-t ' ! 




T. K. ROLFE. 



- After leaving the Academy he woi'ked on his father's farm for a while and 
in a cabinet factory for two years. He then went to California where he 
remained five years, working at carpentry and on a ranch. He then returned 
toy^enacook and worked in the granite quarries at West Concord. 

He was married at Plymouth, N. H., to Miss Jennie Woodard, of iMason- 
ville, P.|Q., on October 3, 1876, and one daughter, Lottie A., has been 
born to them, and is now living. 

Mr. Rolfe came to Stoneham in 1878 and opened the large private board- 
ingMiouse|on Main street, which bears the significant title "The Gilt Edge 



241 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

House."" This building lie since purcliased. His treatment of his pations 
has won for his house an excellent reputation, and he has done a good busi- 
ness ever since he opened it. As a man and citizen he is much respected in 
the community. 

He is a member of Stoneham Council, American Legion of Honor, and of 
Contoocook Lodge, i. O. O. F., of Penacook, N. H. A view of the "Gilt 
Edge"" may be found on page 7 i . 

.'.MOS HILL. 

Amos Hill is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Stoneham and 
was born in this town October 26, 1830, and is the son of Levi and Sarah 
(Howard) Hill, both natives of Stoneham. 

He learned the trade of a shoemaker before he was twenty-one years of 
age and after reaching his majority he was for a few years engaged in the 
manufacture of shoes and later in the manufacfjre of razor straps. 

About the year 1855. he was engaged as one of the civil engineers on the 
Concorc and Claremont Railroad, in N. H., then oni}- finished as far as 
Bradford. F'rom that time he followed the profession of a civil engineer until 
about 1876, when ill health compelled him to give up the business. 

Mr. Hill served as Representative for the 23d ^Middlesex District in the 
Massachusetts Legislature in 1872 and 73 and during his term he secured 
the passage of the Act incorporating the Ouannapowitt Water Company now 
called the Wakefield W'ater Company, giving equal rights to the towns of 
Wakefield and Stoneham to take water trom Crystal Lake and Ouannapowitt 
Lake for domestic snd fire purposes. The town at this time not foreseeing 
the necessity of taking advantage of its rights under the charter suffered them 
to lapse and the rights were then fully vested in the incorporators named in 
the Act of incorporation. 

The company was dormant until 1882 when it awoke from its s lumbers, 
being stimulated by the action of Mr. Hill and fourteen others who met at 
the house of the lormer and pledged a sum of money sufficient to guarantee 
the success of another system of water works. 

The Ouannapowitt Company went to work and December i, 1883, their 
works were completed and the water let on in Stoneham under a contract 
with the town for a supply of water for ten years, and Mr. Hill was in charge 
of the Stoneham Division and has remained in charge to the present time. 

It was during the stssion of 1872 that Mr. Hill secured the passage of the 
act incorporating the Stoneham Odd Fellows' Hall Association, of this town, 
of which he is President. 

He has always taken great interest in the prosperity of his native town and 
has been for many years honored with various public offices. He has served 
the town fourteen years as Selectman, twelve years of which he was chair- 
man. He has been an Assessor and a member of the School Committee for 

16 



>42 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



the past four years, being at present a member of both lioards. He was for 
several years a trastee of the Lindenwood Cemetery, was fcr thirteen years a 
trustee ot the Public Lilrary and for more than fifteen years an active and 
prominent member of the Stoneham Fire Department, being foreman for 
three years, beginnin- with 1858. of the Hook and Ladder Company, and 
was an'"engineer of the department for three years. While foreman of the 
Hook and Ladder Comp;-ny he had one of the finest companies ever 
connected with the de, artmt nt. Honored and respected by his townsmenjhe 
is placed on all important committeees where the inteiests of the town are 
involved. 




A.MOS HILL. 



He is a mcml tr of Columbian Lodge, Columl)ian Encampment and Can- 
ton Fells, P. M., I. O. O. F., and has passed through the chairs of [both 
Lodge and Encampment. He has been honored by. the Odd Fellows] with 



BIOCiKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



243 



the election to the highest office that can be given a brother in the State and 
also with an election to serve as Grand Representative t"or two years to the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge. He is also a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. 
and A. M., and of Wavcrl) Ro}al Arch Chapter, being one of the charter 
members of the Lodge. 

Mr. Hill also takts a lively interest in the Stoneham Co-operative Bank, 
of which he is one of the Dirtctors and also their attornev. He "is also one 
of the Trustees of the StLr.eh;;m Five Cents Savings Bank. 

Mr. Hill w; s married in Stoneham, June 26, 185 i. to Miss Mary S. Gould, 
of this town, a sister to Col. J. P. Gould, and foui children have blessed 
their union, all of wb.cm :ie li\ing. viz: Levi, Mary Lvthn. wife of James 
A. Jones, of Stoneham. Willie barker and Walter An.os. Mr. Hilbs-home 
is at the junctiori of Pie. .'-ant ; nd Summer streets. 




\\1LLI.\.M KELLY. 

William Kelly, merchant tailor, son of Henry and Catherine (Claque) 
Kelly, was born in Castletown, Isle of Man, June 17. 1850. 

He attended school in Castletown ai.d in Charlestown. Mass. 

His trade of tailoring he learned in Castletown, serving a five years appren- 
ticesl ip. He came to Charlestown in 1S67 and went aito the employ, of 



244 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Merrill & Gale, tailors, and worked for them about five years, and for Wm.. 
B. Lono- a little over a year. In March, 1S75, he came to Stoneham, where 
he was employed at his trade for five years by Oscar Hutchinson. He started 
in business for himself in his present quarters in 1880 and has continued 
there ever since ; enjoying a good business from the beginning and having 
many customers at a distance as well as in Stoneham. He is the longest 
established tailor in the town. 

He was married in Charlestown November 30, 1871, to Miss Ida F. 
Slack, of Charlestown, and four children, all of whom are living, have been 
born to them, viz : Eveline Francelia, Florence Abbie, Carrie May and 
Charles Henry William. 

He purchased and lived for some time in the old Congregational parsonage 
on Central street. This house is 147 years old. It has been much improved 
and is still owned by Mr. Kelly, but has been moved back a little to make 
room for his new residence, which was built in 1889. 

Mr. Kelly is a member of the Methodist Church, being a class-leader, and 
is also a member of Stoneham Lodge, Knights ot Honor, and of Stoneham 
Council, American Legion of Honor, and Stoneham Board ol Trade. 

GEORGE F. HUTTERFIELD. 

Mr. Butterfield was born near Harvard College, Cambridge, on January 
28, 1845. His father, John B. Butterfield, was a native of New Hampshire. 
Born on one of the Uncanoonuc Mountains in Goffstown, April 10, 1805, 
he hunted in the primeval forests and fished in the mountain brooks, and in 
his vouth learned to honor the stars and .stripes, his father being Major of 
one of the N. H. regiments. He is a descendant from the original family of 
seven brothers who settled in New England and New York about the year 
1645, ''i"d on his mother's side from the Hancocks and Beechams of Revo- 
lutionary fame. His mother was born in the old mansion house across 
Mystic River from Bunkers Hill, her grandfather, John Beecham, then 
owned from Chelsea Creek to Maiden Square. During the Revolution the 
American troops occupied the buildings and grounds, while his Charlestown 
estates were destroyed by the British. He was a pure blooded Englishman 
of high social standing and influence, but was cut off from his estate in 
England because of his aid and support to the cause of the revolution in 
America ; while Hancock gave the orders to ring the bells at Lexington and 
Concord the alarm that assembled the first troops who actively opposed King 
George. 

While a child Mr. Butterfield's parents again returned to New Hampshire, 
to the mountain home of his father, where he lived until fifteen years of age, 
when the family again moved to Massachusetts. He received a common 
school education such as was common in those days, viz. : going to school 
winters and working summers. He graduated from Comer's Commercial 




GEORGE F. BUTTERFIELD. 



246 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

College in 1S60, and started to learn the wholesale drv goods business just 
before the breaking out of the Rebellion. When the first call came for 
troops, Mr. Butterfield. then a boy, enlisted, but was rejected on account of 
his youth. He afterwards made successive attempts, and on the fourth 
enlistment early in 1S62 getting mustered in by calling himself older than he 
was. He was a good shot, and wanted to try his skill in the interest of 
Uncle Sam. 

He served in the 7th and 22d Army Corps, and took part in the battles of 
Zuni, Va., Joiner's Ford, Franklin, Carsville. Deserted House, Siege of Suf- 
folk, and numerous skirmishes on the Weldon R. R. and elsewhere. At the 
battle of Carsville he was slightly wounded twice. Near an entrenched out- 
post on the Weldon R. R. a rebel sharpshooter had taken up a position, and 
one beautiful Sunday in April, 1863, killed and wounded fourteen of his 
comrades ; Butterfield had been in line of battle for three days and nights, 
expecting an attack at any moment from Longstreet, who was in front. He 
heard of the sharpshooter's work, and left the line, working his way down 
the railroad under a heavy fire until he got into a position to shoot, which 
he did ; and after exchanging several shots got his man. 

After serving two enlistments he joined Col. J. P. Gould's Veteran Regi- 
ment, 59th Mass. Vols., and was going out as First Lieutenant, but being an 
impatient young man he had a slight falling out with the Colonel and re- 
signed. He afterwards passed a military examination at Washington before 
Gen. Casey and was entered as Captain of Infantry in the regular army, and 
was under orders from the Secretary of War when Lee surrendered. He 
thought the army in time of peace would be too dull a life, so he sought a 
position in the business world, being connected with one concern for twenty 
years. 

He moved to Stoneham January 30, 1S78, and occupied one of the Stone 
mansion houses on the shore of Spot Pond. He belongs to no orders or 
societies other than the Grand Army of the Republic. He has been married 
twice, having two daughters, Grace L, 18 years, and Mildred F., 4 1-2 years. 
He was elected one of the Board of Selectmen in 1888, and is now serving 
the third term. 

He has for several years given his attention to building up the business of 
the Langwood Hotel at Spot Pond, and has expended there nearly $200,000 
in new buildings and improvements which are a great attraction and benefit 
to this town. He propost^s to continue the effort, bringing something out of 
our waste tenitory, and is doing much to make Stoneham one of the most 
attractive places of residence to be found. He has associated with him Mr. 
Jonathan Munyan, of Worcester, a wealthy gentleman of unblemished repu- 
tation and high social standing, also Mr. Simon Snow, a retired gentleman 
of honor, and they are making the New Langwood Hotel a model institution 
second to none in America. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 247 

MVRON J. FEKREN. 

Myron Josiah Ferren, Representative to the Legislature, is one of the most 
popular and genial citizens of Stoaehini, hiving been prominent in town af- 
fairs, politics and in many fraternal org.inizations. 

He was born in Corinth, Vermont, August i6, 1836, and is the son of 
Eben and Mary (Chapm:in) Ferren. 

He received his education in the common schools of Haverhill, N. H., 
Manchester, N. H., and Chester, N. H.. but being one of eight children, 
and his father dying when he was but ten years of age. he was obliged to do 
what he could for his own support, and therefore worked in a cotton mill at 
Manchester during his spare time out of school. 

After leaving school he worked at farmmg in Deering, Auburn and Goffs- 
town, N. H., for about two years after which he learned shoemaking in 
Amoskeag, N. H. 

He came to Stoneham in the spring of 1852 and remained here during the 
summer working at shoemaking. and in the fall went to Lawrence and for 
five years was employed in the Pacific Mills and at making shoes. 

In October, 1857. he returned to Stoneham, and has since that time re- 
sided here. He worked at shoemaking i.i its various branches in the shops 
of the town until 1S61, when the New Era pegging machine was introduced 
into Stoneham. and he learned to run the first one brought here. This was 
in the shop of Slo.in & Norton, and he worked on this machine for them for 
about a year when they sold out their business to Sweetser, Battles & Co., 
and Mr. Ferren went to work on the same machine for the latter firm. It 
was run b\' hand power for about a year, when the firm put in as an experi- 
ment a Koper Caloric Engine, the first one ever run. and on this Mr. Ferren 
made improvements so that it became a successful running engine. Mr. 
Ferren in addition to running the engine and pegging machine had charge of 
the stitching room. He was with this firm, except for a time in 1864 when 
he was in the service of the L'. S.. until 1870. the firm keeping his position 
open for him while he was in the army, and employing him again on his 
return. In addition to the aforementioned duties he was also a general fore- 
man of the machinery department. 

In 1870 he went into the employ of R. W. Emerson & Co as machinist, 
and was with them until thev (lissolveti in 18S2 when he accompanied Mr. 
Emerson to ^k']^ose and worked for him for a year. He then returned to 
Stoneham and tntend tlie tn-p!oy of \'in'.on & Jenkins for whom he worked 
a year. 

In 1884 he opened a shoe findirg store on Main Street and remained in 
that business until January. 1890. when he sold it out to Walter Paige, 
Since that time he has given his attention to his duties in the Legislature 
and is at present forwarding the interests of an tkctric elevated railway which 
he has himself invented and patented. 




MYRON J. FERREN. 



250 lUOGRAPHIC.AI. SKETCHES. 

Mr. Ferren was first elected to represent his town in the Legislature in 
iSSS. and served in the lower branch in 1889, being on the committees on 
fedeml relations and drainage ; was re-elected for 1890 and served on the 
committee on street railways: was re-elected for 1S91 and served on the 
committees on federal relations and stieet railways and was first monitor in 
the fourth division. He is the only Representative ever elected from this 
town for three consecutive terms. Mr. Ferren has always been a Republican 
in politics, voting the ticket of that party almost since its organization, his 
first vote being cast in 1857. 

From 1870 to 1875 ^^^- Ferren served on the Stoneham Hoard of Select- 
men, of which he was clerk for three years, and disbursed state aid for two- 
years. 

From 1875 to 18S5 he was a member and clerk of the Board of Engineers 
of the Fire Department. .Mr. Ferren had previously been a fireman at Law- 
rence, where he had served on the brakes and as leading hoseman of the 
old Rough and Ready hand tub. 

From 1873 to the present time he has, with two exceptions, been Modera- 
tor of all town meetings. For fourteen years he was Chairman of the Re- 
publican Town Committee, and during that time entertained many public 
speakers at his cottage. 

Filled with patriotic ardor and enthusiasm he enlisted in Captain 
J. P. Gould's company in 1861. but when he presented himself 
to Dr. Wm. H. Heath for examination the doctor would not accept 
him on account of a trouble with his eyes. Pleading to be allowed to pass 
e.xamination did not prevail with the physician and .Mr. Ferren turned sor- 
rowfully away. He found an opportunity later however to enter the service, 
for in July, 1S64, he enlisted for one hundred days in Captain F. ^L Sweet- 
ser's company, passed the physician on account of not being subjected to a 
rigid examination, and was mustered in and served his full time, being sta- 
tioned in and around Baltimore, and returned in the fall. 

^Ir. Ferren was married April 12. 1S64. in Stoneham, to Miss Wilhelmina 
D. Brown, of this town, but a native of Wolfboro. X. H. She died without 
issue in March, 18S6. 

Mr. Ferren is one of the most prominent members of the G. A. R. in 
Stoneham. He was one of the earliest mustered into J. P. Gould Post 75 
and was for four years its Commander, during which time the Post flourished 
and was never in better condition in its history. He has served as aide-de- 
camp on the staffs of Department Commanders Patch. Creasy and Innis of 
the Department of Mass., attended the National Convention of the G. A. R, 
at Harrisburg, Penn., in 1874 as a delegate from his department, also at 
Chicago in 1875, ^^'^ is at present aide-de-camp on the stafl' of Commander- 
in-Chief Veazey, of the National Department, with the rank of Colonel. 

Mr. Ferren enjoys the distinction of being a member of more fraternal 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 25 1 

organizations than any other man in Stoncham. First, he joined Columbian 
Lodge, I. O. O. F. in 1871, and is a charter member of Columbian Encamp- 
ment, of which he was Chief Patriarch for three terms, and has also passed 
through the chair of the lodge. He is also a charter member of Canton 
Fells, P. M., and immediately upon its institution was appointed aide-de- 
camp, with rank of Major, on the staff of General Palmer. 

He is a charter member of Stoneham Lodge, No. 371, K. of H., was its 
first Dictator and served two terms, is a charter member of Stoneham Coun- 
cil, No. 804, A. L. of H., of which he is a Past Commander, also a charter 
member of Bear Hill Assembly. Royal Society of Good Fellows, of which 
he was Ruler for two terms, also a charter member of Wamscott Tribe, Imp. 
O. R. M., was its first Past Sachem, and elected its first Propliet and served 
three terms, and is a member of lyanough Council, Daughters of Pocahon- 
tas, and of the iMutual Relief Associations of the two last named orders, of 
the Odd Fellows" Relief and Benefit Associations, King Cyrus Lodge, F. & 
A, ^L, Garnet Lodge, Order of the Solid Rock, and of the Stoneham Odd 
Fellows Hall Association, of which he was one of the incorporators. He 
also belongs to the Stoneham Board of Trade, the Central Club and the 
Stoneham Sportsmen's Club. 

Mr. Ferren is posscs.std of considerable n.echanical ingenuity and has in- 
vented and taken out letters patent on shoe machines and attachments, in- 
cluding a feather edging niiahine. welt knife, atlachment for fancy stitching 
on sewing machine, patent improved breasting machine and others, and a 
polka button boot. His latest invention, the Electric Railway, promises to 
become one of much importance. 

Mr. Ferren is an attendant at the Unitarian Church, in which he has always 
held a pew. He resides in a cottage of his own on (ierry street. 

For twelve to fifteen }ears .Mr. Fer:en kept organized an amateur dramatic 
association and gave many entertainments in Stoneham, contributing much 
in this way towards charitable objects. He usually assumed low comedy 
parts in which he was ver\ successful. 

He has always been active in Fourth ot July, Odd Fellows and other soci- 
ety celebrations, is always loyal to his town and ever ready to speak a good 
word in praise of it, is a man of eminent social ciualities, good hearted, 
charitable and generous and stands at the head in popularity among the citi- 
zens and his fellows. 

WALTER S. KEEXE. 

Walter Scott Keene, Selectman, is a native of Palmyra, ALaine, where he 
was born November 9, 1S58. and is the son of Norris and Sarah A. (Nye) 
Keene. 

He attended the district schools of Palmyra and adjoining towns and the 
Academv at Pittsfield, Maine. 



252 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



After leavino- the Academy he removed with his parents to Auburn, Me., 
where he worked in the shoe shops for two years, when he again removed 
with his parents to South Paris, Me., where he was also employed in the 
shoe shops until he left home and came to Boston in July, 1878. He 
immediately went to work for the firm of F. Shaw & Brothers, one of the 
lar-^est firms of leather dealers in lioston or in the country, located at 268, 
270 and 272 Purchase street. It was his intention to learn the business 
thorouo"hlv ^o he began at the bottom of the ladder and worked his way up, 
remainino- there to the present day. This firm failed in 1883 and the busi- 
ness has since been in the hands of a trustee with whom Mr. Keene has 
continued. In 1886 he c^m-nenced selling and has been a salesman since 
that time and since 1888 h s had an interest in the business and is head 
salesman. 




WALTER S. KEEXE. 

Mr. Keen? was united in marriage in Baston to Miss Kate .M. Thomas, of 
that city, January 6, 1881, and a son and daughter have been the fruit ot 
their union, both of whom are living. Their names are Walter Scott, Jr., 
and Nellie Iva. 



BI'KiKAPHJCAI. SKKTCHES. 



253 



Mr. Keene came to Stoncliani with his family Octoljer i, 18S2, and 
although he has resided in the town less than nine years he has obtained the 
confidence of the citizens and has become a prominent and leading citizen 
of the town. 

He is a member of the Board of Selectmen, having been elected Hrst in 
1889 and re-elected twice since, and is now disburser of State aid for the 
board. He was one of the incorporators and is a director of the Stoneham 
National Bank, was one of the incorporators and is a Director of the Stone- 
ham Co-operative Bank, is a member of the Stoneham Board of Trade and 
for a number of years one of the Republican Town Committee. 

In the fraternal organizations he is a member of Bethesda Lodge, 1. O. O. 
F., of South Boston, Wamscott Tribe. Imp. O. R. M., and Highand Council 
O. U. A. M., of Stoneham. 

He is an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church. He lives in a tine 
modern residence on High Street. Farm Hill. See view on page 65. 

CH/\RLKS H. DREW. 

Charles Henry Drew, retired shoe manutact'.:rer, one of Stoneham's wealthy 
and influential citizens, was born in Barrington, N. H., Februarv 18, 1835, 
■his parents being Jo.-eph and Mary J. (Kaxnes) Drew. 

While he was younr his parents took up theii residerce on a farm in Mere- 
dith, N. H., and he attended the common schools of that town, after which 
he v.'crked on his father's farm until he was twenty -(Cars of age and then 
learned the shoemakers trade, af er which he took shoes to make from John 
Hill & Co., of Stoneham, and hired men in Merec'it'; to make them. 

In November, 1856, he came to Stonehsm, wi ere he continued doing the 
same kind of work until the McKay heeling irachine came into use when he 
run one of those and had charge of others in the factory of John Hill & Co., 
doing the work by ',0 tract for the firm until the fall of i866, when he formed 
a co-part:.ersh'p with Edward F. Buswell, under the firm name of Drew & 
Bu;well, and ti.ey commenced manufacturing wonierV, misses' and children's 
grain boots and shoes at East Woburn. 

They r.mained there until the spring of 1867, when they removed to 
Stoneham and k cated in a building belonging to Francis Hay, at Farm Hill, 
which tui ding is now a dwelling house. After doing business there about 
a ye^r they bought and removed to the building on Franklin street in which 
they con inued to do business together until Mr. BusweU's death in 1879, 
and Mr. Dr.w remained in business alone after that until he retired in 1887. 
In their Franklin street factory they manufactured men's, boys' and youths' 
bulif, calf and veal calf boots and shoes in addition to their former line of 
goods. 

When the firm started at East Woburn in 1866 they turned out about two 
cases of shoes per day, and employed about twelve hands ; from that they 
increased at Farm Hill to four or five cases per day and employed about 



254 luociKArmcAi. sketches. 

twenty-nve hands, while at Fr.inklin street tlicy maiuitactufed about twelve 
cases per day and gave employment to seventy-iive to eighty hands. 

Mr. Drew \\-as united in niania!;c in Wilmington. Mass.. July 5, 1S65. to 
Miss Sarah Pearson, of that town. No children have been born to thoni. 

Mr. Drew is a member ot" Wyoming Lodge. F. and A. M.. Waveily Royal 
Arch Chapter, Melrose Council. Royal and Select Masters, and Hugh de 
ravens Commandery. all oi Melrose, and is a 3::d degree Mason. 

He is also a member of the Central Club and of the Stoneham Board of 
Trade. He is one of the most active and pushing members of the committee 
appointed to secure the new railroad to the Fells, and it was largely due to 
his persistency after most of the others had become discouraged that the 
matter was brought to a successful issue and the building of the railroad is 
about to be consummated. 

Mr. Drew is an attendant at the I'nitarian Church. Although never 
courting or desiring public office he has been selected by the citizens of the 
town to serve on many important committees to consider matters of leading 
interest to the tcwn"s welfare, and has rendered valuable service. 

His residence is on Congress Street. 

W. \VAK15 CHILD. 

Winthrop Ward Child, carriage maker, is the son of Oliver L. and 
Pollv (Brown) Child, and was born in Cambridge. Mass., November 23, 
1S2S. He obtained his education in the Cambridge public schools, attend- 
ing the High School for two years. 

At the age of fifteen and a half years he commenced to learn the trade of 
a wheelwright and carriage rnaker and served a full apprenticeship. Immedi- 
atelv after he went to work at his trade in West Cambridge, now Arlington, 
where ho was employed by Samuel Buckman for about three years, and then 
went to Medford and worked for Elbridge Teel for seven months. 

He came to Stoneham. September 23. 1S49. '^""^^ in April, 1S50, he started 
in business in the same shop which he now occupies. Six years later he dis- 
posed of his business to B. F. Richardson and went to work in the factory of 
William Hurd. being eng-aged to do general repairs about the factory. By 
careful observation he got a good general idea of the business and in the 
earlv part of 1S57 was given the position of foreman of the factory, in which 
position he remained until June. r86i, when the factory was closed on ac- 
count of business stagnation caused by the breaking out of the war of the 
Rebellion, and remained closed for some time. 

Mr. Child worked in the shoe factories until 1865. In June of that] year 
he caught a severe cold while saving leather for his emplo}er, the factory^be- 
ing flooded with water during a heavy storm, and for nearly a year was un- 
able to do any work on account of sickness. In April, 1S66, he commenced 
doing light work about the factory, but his health not improving he^went into 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 255 

the employ of the American Lasting Machine Co. in 1867, and wa.s travelling 
salesman for this company for about a year, when he concluded to give up all 
connection with the shoe business and go back to his trade. This was in 
the latter part of 1868. He hired a shop in the yard with C. M. Boyce and 
did business there for himself until 1871, when he bought out B. F. Richard- 
son and has been in Inisintss at his present location since that time. 

Mr. Child was married in Brighton, Mass., May 18, 1852, to Miss Sarah 
A. Phillips, of that place, and a son and daughter have been the fruit of this 
union, the former, Curtis Milton Child, being married and now residing in 
Stoneham, the latter, the wife of George N. Green, having died about four- 
teen years ago. 




W. WARD CHILD. 



Mr. Child's residence is on the corner of Chestnut and Gilmore Streets. 

Mr. Child is a nrember of Columbian Lodge and Columbian Encampment, 
L O. O. F, and having been through the chairs of both is a member of the 
Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment. He has also seiTed sixteen and a. 
half years as Secretary of the Lodge and fifteen years as .scribe of, the en- 
campment. He is also a member of Canton Fells, P. i\L, of which he was. 
Clerk for several years. 



256 BIOGKAPHiCAL SKETCHES. 

He is Chairman of the Overseers of the Poor, being elected to this board 
and made its chairman in 1875. He served during that year and was again 
elected in 1877 and has been chairman ever since. His co-workers are 
Henry H. French and Silas Dean, and the board has been unbroken for over 
fourteen years. He was for four years on the Water Committee, and is now 
one of the Cemetery Trustees. 

The faithfulness with which he has discharged the duties of the various 
offices which he holds, ai.d the confidence reposed in him is evidenced by 
his continuous re-election and long terms of service. 

W. O. CHAMBEHLIX. 

Woodbury Otis Chamberlin. lumber dealer, ol the Stoneham Lumber Co., 
although a resident of Stoneham but a few years, has been prosperous during 
those years and having built himself a home here intends to remain. 

He is a native of Windsor, N. H., where he was born Nov. 15, 1855, and 
is the son of Otis and Martha (Wheeler) Chamberlin. 

When he was l^ul two years of age his parents removed to Hunterstown, 
P. O., Canada, and in a Friars' school at Yamachiche, P. O., he accjuired a 
French education. He was sent by his parents to Burlington, Vt. for a common 
school education in the English branches and finished at Appleton Academy, 
New Ipswich, N. H. 

He then returned to Yamachiche, where he was employed as a book-keeper 
for the Beaver Lumber Co., a concern which employed about a thousand 
hands. Here he commenced to acquire a knowledge of the lumber business 
and he has been connected with it ever since except for two years. 

He remained with the Beaver Lumber Co. about five years when his father 
purchased a farm in Enfield, N. H., and the son worked on this farm for two 
years . 

Alter this he was employed as foreman in lumber yards in Worcester and 
Boston about eight years, until he came to Stoneham in May, 1887, and 
went to work for Jewett tS: Cate, lumber dealers and box manufacturers, 
remaining with them about one and a half years. 

When this firm dissolved Mr. Chamberlin bought out Mr. Cate's interest 
in Stoneham and has been in the lumber business here since. For two years 
he conducted the business alone under his own name and then took in a 
partner and since then the business has been carried on under the name of 
the Stoneham Lumber Co. The trade has continually increased from the 
beginning and a large business, both wholesale and retail, is now done in 
Stoneham and the surrounding towns. 

Mr. Chamberlin was married in Charlestown, Mass., January 27, 1886, to 
Miss Hattie M. Trundy, of Addison, Me. They have no children. 

Mr. Chamberlin is a member of Ridgely Lodge, L O. O. F. of Worcester, 



HIOfiRAPHICAL SKETCHES 257 

the Order of Unity and Order of tlie Golden Temple, Concord, Mass., and 
is an honorary member of J. P. Gould Post 7^, G. A. R., and a member of 
■the Stoneham Board of Trade. He resides in a home which he bought on 
Washington street, corner of Myrtle. 

E.MORV B. WHITE. 

Emory Barron While, expressman, was born in Bath, N. H., October 26, 
1833, and is a son of Jacob M. and Melinda C. (Cox) White. 

His education was obtained in the common schools of Bath, Landoff, 
Haverhill and Benton, N. H., in all of which towns his father successively 
resided. 

During his school days he worked for his father on the farm when not at- 
tending school, and continued with him after finishing his schooling until he 
was twenty-one years of age, after which he worked a year at lumbering and 
in 1S56 went to California and was engaged in mining there for three years. 

In 1859 he returned to Benton, N. H., and from that time until 1866 he 
was engaged in farming and lumbering in Benton and other towns. 

On April i, 1866, he came to Stoneham and went into the employ of H. 
W. Gordon as a driver on the Stoneham and Lynn Express, and on Septem- 
ber I, 1867, he bought out the business of Mr. Gordon, and has carried it 
on to the present time. He has applied himself closely during the twenty- 
four years and has not been away from his business in all that time exctpt 
for six weeks in 1883 when he paid a visit to W'ashington, Oregon, and nine 
weeks in 1890 when he took a trip to California and other states on the Pa- 
cific coast. He now runs every day from Woburn and Stoneham to Lynn. 

^Ir. White v»-as married January 14, 1862, in Benton, N. H., to Miss 
Amaret A. Whitcher, of that town, and three children, all of whom are liv- 
ing, have been born to them, viz. : Lulu F., Lewis B., and Elva G. 

Mr. White is a member of Stoneham Lodge, K. of H., and of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

HEXRV A. SMITH. 

Henry Augustus Smith, of Smith & Robertson, Insurance, Boston and 
Stoneham, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, September 14, 1840, and is 
the son of Edward E. and Rachel (Lewis) Smith. He is one of a family of 
seven children. 

When he was less than two years of age his parents removed to Mi:idle- 
bury, Conn., and a few years later to Newtown, Conn., where his father 
bought a home in the Putatuck Valley. 

Mr. Smith's mother died in the fall of 1852, and from that time on for 
five or six years he lived with various parties doing farm chores, etc.. and at- 
tending the district schools. For a time he attended Dr. R. M. Gray's select 
school in Monroe, Conn. 

17 



258 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



In 1857 he worked for the Scovil Manufacturing Co., in Waterbury, and 
in 1858 at wool hat sizing in Monroe, and in 1859 removed to Sandy Hook 
where he intended to learn the hatter's trade, but ill health prevented, and 
he again turned to farm work and studied evenings, preparing himself for 
teaching a district school in Newtown, Conn., which he taught in the winter 
of 1859-60, and afterwards attended the State Normal School in New Brit- 
ain, Conn. In the winter of 1860-61 he taught a district school in Monroe, 
at the close of which he again entered upon his studies but when the firing 
on Fort Sumter was reported, filled with patriotic ardor, he left school and 
walked fourteen miles to New Haven, where he enlisted April 19, 1861, 
among the earliest soldiers of the war. 




HENRY A. SMITH. 



He was assigned to Co. B, ist Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, and was 
at the first battle of Bull Run. He was discharged July 31, 1861, by reason 
of expiration of service, and September 3, 1861, again enlisted in Bridge- 
port, Conn., as Corporal in Co. A, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and 
was discharged at Baltimore, Md., November 15, 1862, on account of a gun- 
shot wound received at the Battle of Antietam. 

His wound did not heal until the following spring while attending the 
Bryant & Stratton Commercial College in Albany, N. Y. 

He then worked for a short time as clerk in a grocery store and later on a 
farm in Rutland, Vt., and July 21, 1863, again enlisted as Corporal in Co. E, 



lilOGKAI'HICAL SKETCHES. 259 

13th Veteran Reserve Corps, tliis time from Rutland, and did provost duty in 
Brattleboro, Vt., Concord, N. H., White River Junction, Greenfield, Mass., 
and Boston, and was discharged in Boston, November 15, 1865. 

For a period after this he was employed as a bookkeeper in Boston, since 
which time for the most part, he has been in the business of soliciting, plac- 
ing and writing insurance, principally Fire Insurance. February i, 1889, he 
formed a partnership with Charles S. Robertson, and the firm of Smith & 
Robertson have offices at 441 Exchange Building, corner of State and Kilby 
Streets, Boston, and in Stoneham. 

While in the army Mr. Smith was on detached service during a portion o 
the time that his company was quartered in the Beach Street barracks, Bos- 
ton, and was clerk to Dr. J. F. Harlow, of Boston, while examining recruits 
in Faneuil Hall, was clerk to Major F. N. Clark on Bulfinch Street and to 
Major-General Daniel Sickles on Beacon Street. While his company was in 
Concord, N. H., he was Adjutant's clerk to Colonel D. K. Ward well. 

Going to war changed his plans for life. He had contemplated studying 
for the ministry, but having spent so much time in the service and being lim- 
ited in means and without a home, he abandoned the idea and went into 
business. 

Mr. Smith was married in Boston by Rev. Henry Morgan, September 12, 
1865, to Miss Myra M. Johonnot, of Stoneham, and has resided in Stone- 
ham most of the time since. They have two children, Edward, and Marion, 
wife of Elmore Sanborn. 

Mr. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church, having united with that de- 
nomination in 1856 in StejDney, Monroe, Conn., Rev. W. B. Toland, pastor. 
He was one of the founders of the First Baptist Church, Stoneham, was its 
first Sabbath School Superintendent, and has held the office of Corporation 
Clerk since its organization. 

In 1881 Mr. Smith was one of the organizers of the Equitable Mutual Re- 
lief Society, but owing to the law enacted in 1885 reinsured and provided 
protection for all the members in the Bay State Beneficiary Association. 
Having been an agent of the John Hancock Life Insurance Co. of Boston, 
for over tw^enty years, and thoroughly believing in the principles of insurance, 
he has joined a number of fraternal benefit orders and is now a member of 
Miles Standish Colony Pilgrim Fathers, the Supreme Council of the Royal 
Conclave of Knights and Ladies, the L^nion Endowment, and the Supreme 
Lodge of The Fraternal Associates of America, of which he is Supreme Sec- 
retary. He is also a member of the Bay State Beneficiary Association, of 
AVestfield, Mass., and of the Massachusetts Mutual Accident Association, of 
Boston, both business benefit societies. 

Mr. Smith first joined a secret society in Monroe, Conn., called the Loyal 
Legion, during the war, and next joined Athena Lodge, I. O. G. T., of Bos- 
ton, in 1865, and was its Secretary for a time. He has also been a member 



26o 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



of a number of lodges in Winchester and Stoneham and passed through the 
chairs and was admitted to the Grand Lodge. 

He has since joined the Temple of Honor and is now a member of the 
Grand Temple. 

He is also a member of Columbian Lodge, L O. O. F., J. P. Gould Post 
75, Wamscott Tribe, L O. R. M., all of Stoneham, and of Henry Price 
Lodge, F. and A. M., of Charlestown. 




CHARLES S. ROBERTSON , 

Charles S. Robertson, of the tirm of Smith >i Robertson, Insurance, Bos- 
ton and Stoneham, was born in Charlestown, .Mass., April 24, 1S50, and is 
the son of Charles M. and Hannah F. (Viall) Robertson. 

He was educated in the schools of Charlestown. He is a resident of Som- 
erville and has never lived in Stoneham. 

He formed a partnership with Henry A. Smith, of Stoneham, Febraary i, 
1889, for the carrying on of the insurance business, but previous to that time 
had been in the patent medicine business. 

Mr. Robertson was married at Somerville, November 20, 1879, ^'^ Miss 
Carrie E. Waterman. 

He is a member of the Universalist congregation, Somerville, is a Past 
Master and Secretary of Henry I'rice Lodge, F. and A. M., Charlestown, is 
a Past Grand of Howard Lodge, No. 22, L O. O. F., of Charlestown, but 
now a member of Paul Revere Lodge, of Somerville, and is a member of St. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



261 



Andrew's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Boston, and Cceur de Lion Com- 
mandery, of Charlestown. 

Mr. Robertson gives his attention to the business of the tirm at their Bos- 
ton office, No. 441 Exchange Building, corner of State and Kilby Streets. 

EDWARD p. DUXCKLEE. 

Edward Payson Duncklee, shoe stock manufacturer, is a native of Green- 
field, N. H., where he was born January 23, 1832, and is the son of John 
and Sarah (Center) Duncklee. 

He attended the district school of Greenfield and worked on his father's 
farm until he came to Stoneham in 185 1. Here he learned to make shoes by 
hand, as all shoes were made at that time, and worked at shoemaking for 
two and a half years, saving $900 during the time, when he went to Califor- 
nia, and after remaining there nine months returned to Stoneham and went 
into shoe manufacturing on his, own account, making women's, misses" and 
children's shoes. Mr. Duncklee built the factory on Elm street, in the 
northeast part of the town which is now owned by W. D. Brackett and oc- 
cupied by Tucker & Moulton. He was at one time one of the largest man- 
ufacturers of shoes in Stoneham, and continued in the business until 1872 
when he retired to a large faim which he had bought in South Lyndeboro, 
N. H., about a year previously. He purchased and combined four farms, 
amounting in all to 900 acres, on which were two sets of buildings one set 
of which he greatly enlarged and improved and finally with still further addi- 
tions to the house turnec it into a summer hotel and called it The Mountain- 




MOUNTAINSIDE SUMMER HOUSE, 



side Summer House. This is a forty room hotel beautifully situated part 
way up the side of a mountain, high, sightly and healthy, and is under the 
direct supervision of Mr. Duncklee's son and son-in-law, Mr. C. A. Moody, 
of Stoneham. Here Mr. Duncklee erected a large, substantial four-story 



262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

barn, conveniently adjoining tlie house, and this he intends to remodel and 
furnish as a still further addition to his hotel. 

Mr. Duncklee remained on this farm with his family about eight years and 
then returned to Stoneham. About this time .Sanborn & Mann were al)out 
to enter into the manufacture of shoes and they engaged Mr. Duncklee as 
foreman to take charge of their factory, which position he retained for about 
two and a half years. 

After this in 1884 he went into partnership with R. R. Danforth in the 
manufacture of pre]:)ared slice stock in a moderate way, and in about a year 
bought out Mr. Danforth's interest and has since then been in business alone 
in the same factory, on Main Street, corner of Union. He has purchased 
and made large additions to his factory, nearly doubling its capacity, he oc- 
cupying two whole floors. He manufactures in large quantities a ta]j which 
he invented and patented, made from pieces of solid sole leather, and that 
and innersoles constitute principally his output. In good business times he 
employs from thirty to thirty-five hands. 

Mr. Duncklee was married in Andover, Mass., Dec. 17, 1857, to Miss 
Amanda O. f'ollansbee, of Andover, who is still living, Two children, both 
of whom are living have been born to tliem, vi/ : Kmma, wife of Charles A. 
Moody, of Stoneham, and Edward Albert. 

Mr. Duncklee has never been interested in public atfairs or societies, but 
has confined himself to business. 

K. F. SAURIX. 

Edward Francis Saurin, house painter, etc., was born in Coleraine, County 
Antrim, in the north of Ireland, July 31, 1835, and is the son of Thomas J. 
and Jane J. (McAIanus) Saurin. 

When he was two years of age he came with his parents to America. His 
rudimentary education was obtained from his parents and he afterwards 
went to school in Trenton and Bordentown, N. J. After this his father 
moved onto a farm in the backwoods of Central Pennsylvania and for three 
years the son was deprived of schooling but studied at home and worked on 
the farm. Then his father removed to Bridgeport, Conn., Dorchester, Ro.x- 
bury, Boston, and Somerville successively and he was allowed to attend the 
public schools in all these places, the one in Boston being the Dwight School. 
He finished with a year and a portion of a second in the Somerville High 
School after which he went to work for his father at house painting and has 
followed the trade, working for others and as a boss painter, from that time 
to the present. 

He came to Stoneham March 31,1856, having ])een employed previously 
in Boston, Cambridge, Newton and Waltham, and went to work for Joseph 
Barrett. 



M 




264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

After remaining with Mr. Barrett l\ve year.s Mr. Saurin went into business 
for himself January i. 1861, and has continued since. He started on Main 
street in the upper front of the building where Holdsworth's confectionery 
store is now located and after remaining there for a number of years he 
bought a lot of land and built a shop on Franklin street. This property he 
sold to T. H. Jones in 1889, repurchasing the building containing the fish 
market and removing it to a lot of land which he bought on the other side of 
Franklin street, near the Drew & Buswell factory. He occupied the upper 
portion as a paint shop until 1890, when he erected the new building adjoin- 
ing. He now occupies one store on the lower floor for the sale of paper 
hangings, another store is let for grocery, the upper part of the building is 
his paint shop, Hibernian Hall is on the third floor, and the second floor is 
let to the Blues and other clubs. 

Mr. Saurin has been the longest in business of any ot the painters in 
Stoneham and has taken the lead in his line, and being particular in doing 
good work himself and requiring it from others whom he has employed, he 
has established a high standard. 

Mr. Saurin has never married, never has united with a fraternal order, and 
has never held public office. 

WILLIAM B. STEVEKS, ESQ. 

William Burnham Stevens, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law, is a native of 
Stoneham and one of the leading citizens of the town. He was born March 
23, 1843, '^i^d is a son of William Flint Stevens, M. D., and Mary Jane 
Gould (Burnham) Stevens. His maternal ancestry extends back in this 
town to John Gould, who was probably the original settler within the terri- 
tory incorporated as Stoneham. The first paternal ancestor to reside in the 
town was Rev. John H. Stevens, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
who came here in 1795. 

Mr. Stevens obtained his early education in the common schools of Stone- 
ham, afterwards took a full course at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and 
succeeded this with a course at Dartmouth College, from which he graduated 
in the class of 1865. He afterwards attended the Harvard Law School, and 
from that went into the law office of Sweetser & Gardner. 

He opened an office for hims.elf in Stoneham Jan. i, 1868, having been 
admitted to the bar in the summer of 1867. Not long after he established 
an office in Boston, and continued the practice of his profession until Janu- 
ary, 1880, when he was appointed by Governor John D. Long as District 
Attorney for Middlesex County, to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Ham- 
mond, who resigned in 1879. 

Mr. Stevens was nominated and elected by the voters of the County three 
times successively afterwards and served ten years in all, or until 1890, when 




WlLLiA.M B. STEVENS, ESO. 



266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

he declined a renomination. While occupying the position of District At- 
torney he gave such time to the practise of law as he was able, and is now 
devoting his whole attention to his profession and matters of private 
business. 

Mr. Stevens served in the war cf the Rebellion in Co. C, Fiitieth Mass. 
Vol. Infantry. He was mustered in in September, 1862, served in the De- 
partment of the Gulf, and was in General Banks' expedition to New Orleans, 
and at the siege of Port Hudson. He was discharged in August, 1863. 

Mr. Stevens has been married twice, the first time in Stoneham, October 
20, 1868, to Miss A. Josephine Hill, daughter of John Hill, of this town. 
She died in 1869. The second marriage was also in Stoneham on Septem- 
ber 30, 1873, to Miss Mary Williamme Green, daughter of James A. Green, 
of this town. Four children have been the fruit of the second union, three 
of whom are living, viz : Josephine Flint, Mary Burnham and Frances 
Osgood. A son, William F., came to his death by accidental drowning 
when quite young. 

Mr. Stevens is an attendant at the Congregational Church, and is a mem- 
ber of J. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., and Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

In public affairs he is active in whatever pertains to the town's interests, 
and is one of the most influential citizens, his judgment being consulted and 
accorded great weight in all matters of importance. He has been honored 
with a number of public offices and is usually appointed on important 
committees. He was for fifteen years or more a Trustee of the Public 
Library, was a memlier of the school committee for a number of years and 
has been a Trustee of Lindenwood Cemetery for some time. 

He is now, and has been for }ears. President and a Trustee of the Stone- 
ham Five Cents Savings Bank, and was one of the incorporators and is a 
Director of the Stoneham National Bank. 

He is chairman of the committee on the new railroad from Stoneham 
centre to Fells Station and has been one of the most active in forwarding this 
project. 

He lives in an attractive residence on Main street. 

The condensed general history of Stoneham contained on pages i to 105 
of this book is the work of Mr. Stevens. 

PATRICK COGAN. 

Patrick Cogan, shoe manufacturer, was born in the County Monaghan, 
Ireland, March 5, 1831, and is the son of James and Julia (Crimmy) Cogan. 
He attended school in his native place, where he also learned the trade of a 
tailor. 

When seventeen years of age he left home and sailed from Liverpool on 
the finest ship sailing from that port in those days, and after a trip of thir- 



lUOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



267 



teen weeks landed in I'.oston. P'rom that city he went to Woburn, remain- 
in"- there six months, where he obtained employment at out of door labor, 
receivino- fourteen dollars per month as compensation. From Woburn he 
went to New York City where he remained ten months, also engaged in out 
of door labor. 

IniS5i he came to Stoneham and has Ijeen here ever since. Here he 
worked out of doors until 1853 when he went to making shoes, and in three 
months after he commenced was earning $1.25 per day, which was good 
wao-es at that time. He did not serve an apprenticeship as was the custom 
then, but has gained a good knowledge of the business by observation and 
application. He worked in the shoe factories of the town until 1878 when 




PATRICK COGAN. 

he began the manufacture of shoes on his own account in a small front room 
on the lower floor of the building he now occupies on Main street, just north 
of Montvale avenue. This room he rented of the Middlesex Co-operative 
Shoe Co., which company then had a lease, of the building. Here Mr. 
Cogan, assisted by his two sons, Bernard H. and James, began with the 
making of twenty pairs of misses" grain shoes per day. In 1880 the Middle- 
sex Co. gave up the lease of the building and Mr. Cogan was obliged to seek 



268 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Other quarters, which he obtained in the Rounc\s Building, where he remained 
two years, then removed to the Drew Building, on Franklin Street, where he 
was located for three years. His business had steadily increased, and in 1885 
he purchased the old factory in which he commenced, and there he has con- 
tinued until the present time. It was then that he took into partnership his 
son Bernard H., and the firm has since been called Patrick Cogan & Son. 
The output of the factory is nearly all sold directly to the retail trade exclu- 
sively, with no intermediate agency, the son making two trips a year among 
the customers of the firm in the New England and Western States. The 
business has every year shown an increase over the previous year until now 
about one hundred hands are employed and about six hundred pairs, or ten 
sixty pair cases, are manufactured per day, the shoes being boys' and youths' 
split, veal calf, Milwaukee and Dongola grain leather, ladies' misses' and 
children's Dongola goat, grain and Milwaukee and glove grain. Preparations 
are being made to build an addition to the factory with the intention of 
doubling its capacity and turning ou hum Ilh to twelve hundred pairs per 
day. 

Mr. Cogan was married in Lowell to Miss Alice Halpin, of that city, July 
5, 185 I, and seven children have been Ijorn to them, four of whom are now 
living, viz. : Annie, widow of William Logue, Julia C. wife of S. P. Finne- 
gan, James and Bernard H., both of whom aie married. 

Mr. Cogan enlisted for three years in the war, in the 17th Mass. \'olunteer 
Infantry, in June. 1861 . but was taken sick in the latter part of October of 
the same year and came home in December, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability. 

He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, of this town. 

CHARLES B. MELVIV. 

Charles Butterfield Melvin, son of Charles and Susan (Hunt) Melvin. 
The well-known and familiar face will be at once recognized Oy all our 
citizens and more especially by all the travelling public who have ever had 
occasion to supply the wants of the inner man. It is said some men were 
born with a silver spoon in their mouths, but it might be safely said that the 
subject of this sketch was born with a cook book in his hand, so successfully 
has he catered to the public in tht past forty \errs. 

Mr. Melvin was born in Lo\ve!l. .Mass.. in 1823. and commenced his suc- 
cessful career by serving an apprenticeship with the well-known Capt. Mars- 
ton from 1843 to 1846. I" 1S47 he started and successfully ran the first 
express between Lawrence and Lowell, but after a year he concluded to return 
to his Old trade and accordingly opened the first regular eating house ever in 
Lawrence, which he managed till 1857 when he took possession of the Frank- 
lin House, remaining there five years. While there Mr. Melvin had the 



lUOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



269 



honor of entertaining rrcsidcnt I'icrce, Hon. B. F. Butler and all the prom- 
inent men of those days. In 1861 he disposed of his interest, and in 1865 
came to Stoneham, where he has resided ever since, and by judicious man- 
agement of the Central House, (the only Hotel in this place), has succeeded 
in'amassing a fortune which will comfort him in his declining years. 




CHARLES B. MELVIN. 



Besides catering to the wants of the inner man, Mr. Melvin is a large 
real estate owner in Stoneham and Lawrence, Mass. 

Mr. Melvin retired from the hotel business July i, iSgi, having catered in 
Stoneham 26 years. 



CHARLES H. BROWN. 

Charles Hamilton Brown, retired leather manufacturer, is a native of Leo- 
minster, Mass., where he was born February 27, 1839, and is the son of 
Hamilton and Adelia (Spaulding) Brown. 

He attended the common schools of Leominster until he was sixteen years 
of age, and in the following year went to North Woburn, Mass,, and served 
an apprenticeship at the currying trade with the firm of Bond & Tidd until 
he was twenty-one years of age. 

In March, i860, he came to Stoneham and went into the employ of Tidd 
&; Bloomer and worked for them until they dissolved their partnership and 



270 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



closed their factory in 1861. He then went to Woburn and worked for Gen. 
Abijah Thompson and Tidd & Blake until February, 1862, when he returned 
to Stoneham and went to work for Wm. Tidd, Jr., who was then just start- 
ing in business alone after having closed up the business affairs of Tidd & 
Bloomer. 

Mr. Brown continued in the employ of Wm. Tidd, Jr., and afterwards 
with Wm. Tidd & Co. until January, 1866, when he was admitted as a part- 
ner in the firm and continued until November, 1890. when he withdrew and 
retired with a competency. His son, William T., was admitted to the firm 
in 1887 and is now a member. 




CHARLES H. BROWX. 



Mr. Brown was united in marriage in Woburn b\- Rev. R. P. Stebbins, 
November 27, 1862, to Miss Oriana Tidd, daughter of Wm. Tidd, of this 
town. Mrs. Brown was born in Woburn. Two children have been the fruit 
of this union, both of whom are living, namely : William Tidd and Annie 
Hamilton. 

Mr. Brown formerly belonged to Wyoming Lodge, of Melrose, and was a 
charter member of King Cyrus Lodge, of Stoneham, F. and A. AL ; he was 
also a member of Hugh de Payens Commander}-, of Melrose, but has with- 



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ir. 

O 
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o 
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X 

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272 



inOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



drawn from the above, but is a life member of Waverlv Royal Arch Chapter, 
■of Melrose. He is an attendant at the Unitarian Cliurch. 

He was formerly a Director of the First National Bank of Woburn, and is 
a Director and was one of the incorporators of the Stoneham National Bank. 

He resides in one of the finest homesteads in Stoneham, situated on the 
■corner of Maple and Chestnut Streets. 




HEXRV HOLDEX FRENCH. 

Henry Holden French, son of Reuben and Abigail (Holden) French, was 
born in Billerica, Mass., Jan. 15, 1827. 

He was educated in the public schools of his native town and assisted his 
parents en the farm prior to 1851, when he came to Stoneham and entered 
the employ of Allen Rowc & Son, clerking in the store and assisting in the 
manufacture of shoes until 1S61, with the exception of one year, in which he 
was employed by Sweetser & Battles, shoe manufacture! s. From July i, 
1 86 1, to Dec. 9, 1869, he held a position of responsibility and trust with 
Aaron Hill, grocer, and during the later years has worked at shoe cutting in 
several factories of the town. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



273 



Mr. French has always been much interested in town affairs and has been 
•elected several times to fill important positions. He is now serving for the 
fifteenth consecutive year on the Board of Overseers of the Poor. In 1860- 
61 he served as Assessor, 1862 Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor. 

He was married in 1858 to Harriet E. Kimball, who died in 1873. Of 
this union were two children, Zoe and Harriet, both of whom are living. 
His second marriage was in 1874, with Mrs. M. A. Woodward. 

Mr. French has been a memljer of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., since 
1878. 




WILLIAM FLINT COWDREY. 



Wm. Flint Cowdrey, son of Lieut. Geo. and Relief ca S. (Bucknam) Cow- 
clrey, was born in Stoneham, Mass., January 22, 1827, and received his 
education in the public schools. He learned the trade of shoemaking, in 
which occupation he is now employed. Mr. Cov'drey sailed from Boston 
October 31, 1849, for San Francisco, California, "'' the ship Argonaut via 
Cape Horn, arriving there March 13, 1850, returning by the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama, and reached home July 19, 1852. He enlisted August 16, 1864, in Co. 
K,|,Fourth Regiment Mass. Heavy Artillery and served until the close of the 

18 



274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

war. He has held the office of Selectman for two years. He has also been 
a member of the board of registrars of voters for three years. He is a charter 
member of Miles Standish Colony No. 7, of the Pilgrim Fathers, also a 
member of Columbian Lodge, No. 29, I. O. O. F., and a member of J. P. 
Gould Post 75, G. A. R., and is a member of the society of California 
Pioneers of New England. 

WILLIAM H. FARXHAM. 

William Henry Farnham, manufacturer of shoe lasts, was born in Smith- 
field, Maine, November 20, 1855, and is the son of Samuel and Harriet A. 
(Foss) Farnham. 

He attended the common schools of Norrid^rewock, Me., and the Hish 
School at Waterville, Me., from which he graduated. 

From sixteen to nineteen years of age he worked in a cotton mill in Au- 
gusta, Me., and afterwards with a partner went into the business of manufac- 
turing shoe stock at Auburn, Me., the firm being Simonds & Farnham. He 
remained in this business for two years and then took up the business in 
which he is now engaged, first learning the trade with the Auburn Last Co., 
where he served three years. 

After this he was employed by the Day Process Shoe Co. in experimental 
work and on September i, 1882, he came to Stoneham and went into the 
last making business on his own account. 

He started in the basement of the shop now occupied by P. Cogan & 
Son, Main Street, he furnishing power for his rent to Wm. P. Fletcher, box 
maker, and a laundry, both in the same building. 

He put in only one turning machine at first and employed three hands 
besides himself. At the end of two years he removed to larger quarters in 
the factory now occupied by L. V. Colahan and added another turning ma- 
chine and three more men. He remained there about three years and then 
removed to his present quarters where he occupies one whole floor in the 
upper part of the factory of Hamilton Hay, on Montvale avenue. 

He has now four turning machines and in busy times employs fourteen 
men. His Boston office is at 116 Bedford Street, room 505. Mr. Farnham 
gives a great deal of time to inventing new lasts and designing new shapes, 
in order to be abreast of the times, and his lasts are of desirable patterns 
and of the best finish. He manufactures for all the Stoneham manufacturers 
as well as for others in different parts of the country. 

Mr. Farnham has been twice married, first in 1877, in Auburn, Me., to 
Miss Margaret Flynn, of Lowell, Mass., and second in Stoneham, in the fall 
of 1888, to Miss Minnie F. Libbey, of Salem, Mass. 

By his first wife were born four children, two of whom are living, namely : 
Herbert Francis and Albert William, By his second wife he has had no. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 275 

issue. His first wife died in May. 1886, and was buried in Lindenwood Cem- 
etery. 

Mr. Farnham is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

POLICE. 

Stoneham has the good fortune to be specially favored in the character of 
the men who hold the positions of police officers. The citizens are to be 
congratulated on having men on the force who are considerably above the 
average of policemen in intelligence, morality and gentlemanly qualities. 

This is partly due to the carefulness and good judgment of those whose 
duty it is to select and appoint these officers and partly owing to the fact 
that the town is a peaceable, law-abiding community, which makes the posi- 
tion of a policeman a more attractive and agreeable one than in communities 
where the criminally disposed reside and are continually resorting to acts of 
lawlessness. 

The force consists of three regular police, whose time is wholly command- 
ed, three special police, who are employed as occasion demands, and three 
special police for the third and fourth days of July. 

The regular officers are Rix L. Newton, chief, J. C. C. Small and W. W. 
Houghton. 

RIX L. NEWTON. 

Rix Lyman Newton, Chief of Police of Stoneham, is the son of Charles 
F. and Roxanna A. (Ladd) Newton and was born in Tunbridge, Vt., March 
14, 1853. 

He is a seventh son in a family of ten children and his father and mother 
are both living at the ages of 96 and 88 respectively, and both are in good 
health and retain all their faculties, his father being able to work about the 
farm. 

He attended the district school of the town of Washington, Vt., leaving 
when about fifteen years of age and going to work on his father's farm and at 
carpentering, his father being a carpenter and following that trade in connec- 
tion with his farming. 

In 1873 he went to carpentering for himself and continued to the fall of 
1879, when he went into the saw-mill of A. W. Tewksbury & Sons, working 
there until September 16, 1886. September 17, the next day after leaving 
the mill, he came to Stoneham and went to work for his brother-in-law, J. 
B. Swan, contractor and builder. He remained with him for two years and 
during the second year was a special police officer, having been appointed by 
the Selectmen in April, 1888. In April, 1889, he was appointed as Chief-of« 
Police, which position he still holds, giving much satisfaction to the Board 
and to the people in general. He succeeded Col. O. H. Marston. 



276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Although not old enough to serve in the war three of his brothers enlisted 
in V'ermont regiments, and one of them starved to death in Andersonville 
prison. 

Mr. Newton has been three times married; first, at Chelsea, Vt., to Miss 
Jenn-'e O. French, of that town, on .\o\'eiiil)cr 30, 1873. Two daughters 
and one son were born to them, one daughter. Myrtie Belle, being alive and 
residing with her father in Stoneham. His second marriage was also at 
Ciielsia, \'t., Januar}- 16, 1886, to Miss Georgie Swan, of Granville, Vt. 
She died without issue. His third union was to Miss Julia S. Cleaveland, of 
Newport, \"t., September 19, 1889, at Stoneham. 

.Mr. Newton attends the Baptist Church, of which his wife is a member' 
and is a charier member of Highland Council, No. 36, O. U. A. M., and 
Fells Lodge, No. 63. A. O. U. W. 

J. C. C. SMALL. 

Jolin C. C. Small, police officer, was born in Bethel, Maine, Februar}- 10, 
i860, and is the son of William and Emily J. (Dow) Small. 

He acquired his education principally in the public schools ot Harrison and 
Bridgton, Maine, and at the age of sixteen went to work in a woolen mill in 
Bridgton where he was emplo^-ed as a weaver about one and a haff years, 
when he removed with his parents onto a farm into the adjoining town o^ 
Waterloi'd. 

After working on the farm for four years he came to Newton, Mass., where 
he was employed for about a year and a half and then came to Stoneham. 

This was in the fall of 1882, when he went to work in the shoe factory of 
Brackett & Poole, where he was employed about three vears, and later 
worked for about three years in the factory of Sanborn & Mann. 

In 1888 he was appointed a special jjolice officer and in 1889 as a regular 
officer, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Small was united in marriage at Newton, Mass., October i, 1882, to 
Miss Georgianna E. Horr, of Waterford, Me., and two daughters have been 
born to them, both of whom are living, viz : Esther May and Lillian Emily. 
They reside in a house built by Mr. Small recently on Gould Street. 

Mr. Small is an attendant at the Congregarional Church, and is a charter 
member of Highland Council, No. 36, O. U. A. M., and a member of P'ells 
Lodge, No. 63, A. O. U. W. 

WM. W. HOUGHTO.N. 

William Wallace Houghton, police officer, is a native of Putney, Vt., 
w^here he was born August i, 1849. and is the son of Curtis G. and Susanna 
R. (Beckwith) Houghton, who had ten children. 

He attended school first at Putney, then at Westmoreland, N. H. 

On the very day he was 2 1 years of age he went to work for the Cheshire 




W. \V. HOUGHTON. 



REGULAR POLICE FORCE. 

RIX L. NEWTON, 

CHIEF. 



J C. C, S.M. LL. 



278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

R. R. as fireman on a locomotive engine and later became an engineer. He 
was engaged at this employment a little over six years, residing at Keene, N. 
H., during the period working a portion of the time in the office of the Mas- 
ter Mechanic, making out schedules. In the fall of 1876 he was obliged to 
leave on account of ill health. He visited the Centennial Exhibition at 
Philadelphia, and from there came to Stoneham and soon after erected a 
homestead on Spring Street, in the easterly part of the town. 

In 1877 he went to work in the shoe factory of Shaw & Worthen, where 
he was employed about eight years, and subsecjuently was engineer at the 
box factory of Jewett & Cate. 

About this time he sold his house on Spring street and built his present 
residence, which is pleasantly located on Marble street. 

In 1 886 he went to work for Sanborn & Mann, running a heeling machine, 
where he remained three years, until the spring of 1889, when he was ap- 
pointed a regular police officer by the Selectmen and is still a member of the 
force. 

Mr. Houghton was married in Keene, N. H., to Miss Ada E. Kingsbury, 
■daughter of Seth Kingsbury, Esq., of Roxbury, N. H., June 10, 1S71. She 
died in 1873. One son, Oscar Wallace, was born to them and is now living 
with his father. On March i, 1875, Mr. Houghton was married to Miss 
Lois R. Kingsbury, a sister of his first wife. The sisters had both been 
teachers in the public schools of Keene and other towns in Cheshire County. 
By his second wife three children have been born, all of whom are living, 
viz : Clarence Willie, Rosie Estella and Leroy Kingsbury. 

Mr. Houghton has been a member of Beaver Brook Lodge, I. O. O. F., 
of. Keene, N. H., for twenty years, is also a member of Fells Lodge, A. O. 
U. W.. Highland Council, O. U. A. M., and Evergreen Lodge, D. of R., 
all of Stoneham. 

CHESTER F. JONES. 

Chester Francis Jones, druggist, was born in Stoneham, December 5, 
1865, and is the son of William Henry and Maria Eaton (Hadley) Jones. 

He received his education in the public schools of this town and at the 
age of fifteen entered the employ of J. F. Goodr.ow, druggist, to learn the 
business, and remained there six years. 

On January 25, 1887, he opened a drug store near Farm Hill Station and 
remained there until last year, when he purchased the Wm. S. Lothrop 
bui ding on Central Street, repaired and remodeled the same, and removed 
his business to his present location in that building December 20, 1890. 

Mr. Jones is unmarried, is a member of John H. Dike Camp, S. of V., in 
■which he has held the office of Color Sergeant and Camp Guard, and also 
belongs to the Golden Grail. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 279 



DR. C. E. HEL.\H. 



Charles Eugene Helah, dentist, son of William and Anna B. (Magoon) 
Helah, was born in Gardiner, Maine, November 4, 1864. He attended the 
public schools of Gardiner, and upon leaving school went to work in a den- 
tist's office in Wakefield, where he remained about a year and a half, and 
then took a course in the Boston Dental College, finishing in March, 1885. 

In June, 1885, he came to Stoneham and opened his present dental rooms 
on Main Street, continuing at that location since he commenced. Dr. Helah 
is unmarried. 

He is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., of this town. 

FKAXCIS L. V>":;'TT]EK. 

Francis Lester Whittier. of F. L. & W . K. Whittier, newsdealers and 
stationers, printers and proprietors of the- S/c/.i, , ni Independent, is a native 
of Stoneham where he was boin April 10, 1048. and is the son of Edward 
T. and Elizabeth J. (Young) Whittier. 

In his early days he attended the public schools of the town, but in 1861, 
after the breaking out of the war, he was obliged to leave school and assist 
his father on account of his two elder brothers enlisting in tl-ie service of their 
country. The father was at that time Tostmaster of Stoneham in addition 
to running a printing office and keeping a store for the sale of stationery, 
toys, fancy goods, etc., and being a sufferer from asthma, needed Frank's 
help in the various departments. About two _\(ars later Mr. Whittier en- 
gaged other help and Frank was allowed to further his education at Waitt's 
Greenwood Academy, at Wakefield, and Eaton"s Commercial College, Bos- 
ton, the latter of which he attended for ^everal ^erms, but during all the time 
he was at the academy and college he occupii^d l.is spare hours in assisting 

his father. 

After getting his education he continued working for his father until the 
latter's death in December, 1878. never dtmai ding or receiving any salary 
for his services, although upon him de\o;\(c! tic responsible management of 
the business. By faithfulness, care and c'.ost/ application to his father's af- 
fairs he succeeded during t'' e years of the war ir, accomplishing the payment 
of mortgages amounting to a considerable sum whicli rested upon the build- 
ing and land, and upon which eight per cert, iiiti rest was being paid, and at 
his father's death they were free of all incuni'ir mces. He with his brother 
Willie succeeded to the business and Iviv cnicd it on to the present time. 
A short sketch of the business is given i' low 

Mr. Whittier was united in marriage in Lo:..u;i by Rev. A. A. Miner, D.D., 
March 31, 1875, to Miss Lizzie R. Cochran, of Holderness, N. H., and they 
have had one son, Edward Tuck, who is now living. Mrs. Whittier passed 
away June 16, 1888. 



28o 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




">. 






FRANCIS L. WHITTIER. 



Mr. Whittier is an attenc'ant at the Congrtgalional Church and is a mem- 
ber of King Cyrus Lodge. F. and A. AI., Columbian Lodge, Columbian En- 
campment, Canton Fells, P. AI.. and Evergreen Lodge, D. of R., L O. O. 
F., Wamscott Tribe, L O. R. AL, Ciranite Lodge, Order of the Solid Rock 
and Odd Fellows" Mutual Benefit Association. He was a member of the 
General Worth Engine Co. for nearly fifteen years and for a time was its 
clerk. 

WILLIE E. WHITTIER. 

Willie Elmer Whittier, the younger brother and junior member of the firm 
of F. L. & W. E. Whittier, was born in Stoneham, June 27, 1854, and is 
the son of Edward T. and Elizabeth J. (Young) Whittier. 

He attended the common schools of the town until he was thirteen or 
fourteen years of age at which time he went to work in his father's store. 



KIOGRAr-HICAL SKETCHES 




WILLIE K. WHITTIER. 

There and in the newspaper and printing office he has since remained, suc- 
ceeding to the business with his elder brother on the death of their father in 
1878. His life and business career have been closely identified with that ot 
his brother, and the liistory of one is largely that of the other, as they have 
always lived and been associated in business together. Both brothers have 
gained their knowledge of the printing business in their own and their fath- 
er's office. The running of the large cylinder press has always devolved 
upon the younger brother, he having fed the cylinder presses since the first 
one was introduced into the office. 

The subject of this sketch was married in Crinpton. N. H., May 17. 1S77, 
by Rev. Quincy I'h'kdy. to Miss Louise Cochran, of Holderness. N. H., and 
to them has been born one daughter, Louise Ethel, who is now living. 



282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

-Mr. Whittier is an attendant at the Congregational Cliurch, was a member 
of the fire department for ten years, and belongs to Columbian Lodge, Ever- 
green Lodge, D. of R., and the Mutual Relief Association, all of the 
L O. O. F. 

F. L. & W. E. WHITTIER. 

F. L. & \V. E. Whittier succeeded to the business of their father upon his 
decease in 1878. Previous to that time from the age at which they were old 
enough to be of service, they had rendered cheerful assistance to their father 
in the store, in the newspaper and printing office, and in the post-office dur- 
ing the period that he occupied the position of Postmaster. An account of 
the establishment and progress of the business during Mr. Whittier's life, 
from the time he opened a little news and variety store under the Universa- 
list Church in 1840, is given on pages 130 and 132. The business at the 
time of his death was practically of the same nature as at present and located 
in the same building. It consisted of tl.e store where were sold newspapers, 
periodicals, stationery, fancy goods and toys, a newspaper route for daily and 
weeklv papers throughout the town, and a job printing and newspaper office, 
in which the StoneJiam Independent was published. With the exception of a 
few changes in stock in the store the business has been of the same character 
up to the present, steadily prosperous and increasing under the conduct and 
management of the brothers Frank and Willie. The most important branch 
of the business is the Sioneliant Independent and printing office which has 
been enlarged since their father's death by the addition of improved machin- 
ery, including a new large Campbell cylinder book and newspaper press, a 
Gordon job press. Otto gas engine for running presses, large paper cutter and 
other machines and a large quantity of new type, cases, etc., these additions 
necessitating the extension of their Iniilding in the rear. This branch now 
occupies two large floors. These facilities have caused a steadily progressive 
business in this department, and the circulation of the StoneJiam Independent 
rivals that of weekly papers in any of the towns of this section. L^p to five 
years ago the brothers had employed an editor to take charge of the news 
and editorial columns of the paper, but since that time Frank has assumed 
that duty himself. 

The Whittier Brothers established the first Sunday paper route in 
Woburn and Winchester in 1873, being influenced to dosobyWoburn 
parties who had previously come to Stoneham lor their Sunday papers, there 
being none sold in Woburn. The papers were delivered in the two towns 
by carriage, and the route was kept up for four years or more. 

The Winchester Star \\z.?> started by the Whittier Brothers in 1881 and 
was published for eight years from the office of the StoneJiam Independent, 
and was sold out to the present proprietor, T. P. Wilson, in August, 1889, 
since which time it has been published in Winchester. 



284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

The plant is the property of the Whittier Brothers as is also the building 
on Central Square in which the business is located, it being known as Whit- 
tier building. 

The Whittier brothers reside with their families on the second floor and an 
ell of the building: on the upper floor is the G. A. R. hall, and on the lower 
floor are three stores, in i.c'.calion to that of the brothers, occupied by Cap- 
tain John F. Herrv, clothing, etc.. T. F. Burtt. jeweller, and Wm. Kelley, 
tailor. Dn the second floor, front, is a barbershop. The Whittier brothers 
have an excellent trade in their store in the sale of newspapers, station- 
ery and other goods in their line. 

CHARLES H. HIXKLEV. 

Cha'les Henrv liinklev. proprietor of the Hinkley boarding house, was 
born in liradlex'. .Mi.ine, September 19, 1843, and is the son of William and 
Elmira (Mason) Iliukle}-. 

He attended the con.mun .schools of his native town and immediately after 
leaving school he went to work m a saw mill in Bradley where he was em- 
ployed for SLvrntLcn 01 eiglUeLU years. 

He then ren.ov(.d to Westborough. Ala^s.. where he opened a boarding- 
house, and has catered to the wants of the inner man from that time to the 
present. 

After remaining in Westborough for tight years he came to Stoneham, 
October i, 1883, and opened the 1 oarcing-house which he now maintains at 
the corner of Maple and Warren streets. He keeps an excellent house, is 
much liked by his patrons and is a popular man in the community. 

In the fall of 1890 his house caught fire bu- owing to the good work of 
the firemen the fire was extinguished with a partial loss which wss covered 
by insurance. To show his appreciation of the efforts of the firemen he 
soon afterwards invited the whole department to an excellent supper. 

Mr. Hinkley was n arried in Bradley, Me., May 29, 1863, to Miss Louisa 
L. Spencer, 01 that town, and two children have been born to them, one of 
whom is living, viz. : Leah B. , wife of Harry Woodward, of Stoneham. 

Mr. Hinkley is an j.ttendant at the Congregational Church, is a member of 
the Equitable Aid Society, of Unity Lodge, No. -JT , L O. O. F., of Boston, 
and of Columbian Encampment, L O. O. F., of Stoneham. 

STEPHEN P. FINNEGAN. 

Stephen Patrick Finnegan, retail provision and grocery dealer, was born in 
Stoneham, November 27, 1855, and is the son of Joseph and Anastasia 
(MuUalley) Finnegan. 

He attended the public schools of his native town, being one year in the 
High School, after which he went to Comer's Commercial College of Boston. 

After this he went to work in the shoe manufactory of John Hill & Co., 



K 




286 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and was employed in that factory and others until he was twentv-sev-rn years 
of age, when he started in the retail grocery and provision business with his 
brother, John C, in the store on Pearl Street, vacated by Albert S. Hovey. 
and previously occupied by J. B. Hovey. The firm was called Finnegan 
Bros. They continued at that stand until 1886, when they removed to the 
building which they had erected on Franklin Street, opposite the railway 
station, the subject of this sketch taking up his residence in the upper por- 
tion. The brothers dissolved partnership in June, iSSS, John C. removing 
to Woburn and establishing in the bakery business, and Stephen P. continu- 
ing as a grocer and provision dealer, in which he is still engaged. The busi- 
ness has steadily increased from the beginning and All. Finnegan now en- 
joys a large patronage. 

On January 6, 1880, Mr. Finnegan was united in marriage in this town to 
Miss Julia C. Cogan, daughter of Patrick Cogan, of Stoneham, and tliey 
have been blessed with four children, all of whom are living, namelv: Joseph 
Bernard, William John, Alice and Anastasia. 

Mr. Finnegan was one of the original members of the Stoneham Light In- 
fantry, was a Corporal and Sergeant, rising to Second Sergeant, and remained 
with the company five years. 

He was an Assessor for two years, in 1886-7, was Democratic nominee for 
Representative to the Legislature in 1889, and was one of the committee of 
the Board of Trade who were instrumental in forwarding the establishment 
of the new railroad branch to Fells Station. 

He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. 

W. H. WEED. 

William Henry Weed, druggist, of the firm of Wm. H. Weed & Co., was 
born in Stoneham, April 17, 1861, the day on which Co. L left for the war. 
He is the son of Samuel S. and Mary (Quiniby) Weed. 

His early education was received in the public schools of Stoneham, and 
later he attended the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, and still later 
the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, where he took a full course, gradua- 
ting in 1888. 

Previous to going to Bryant & Stratton's College he worked for a time in 
the drug store of Charles O. Currier and also in the Post Oftice under Charles 
E. Home, P. M. After leaving the Commercial College he was again em- 
ployed in the Post Office, after which he attended the Mass. College of 
Pharmacy. He then went into the drug store of T. T. Reed, Eggleston 
Square, Boston, and from there to the store of C. A. Charles, in Maiden. 
From Maiden he came to Stoneham, and was employed in the drug store of 
John F. Dorr for two or three years, and then with S. W. Townsend as a 
partner, bought out the drug store of E. G. Goodnow, in Dow's Block, Cen- 
tral Square, and has continued in business there up to the present time. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 287 

Mr. Weed was united in marriage in Stoneliam tc Miss Stella S. Bartlett, 
daughter of Postmaster Bartlett. of this town. June 16, 188S. One dajjghter 
has been born to them. 

Mr. Weed is a member of the Alumni of the Mass. College of Pharmacy 
and of Stoneham Council, A. L. of H.. of which he is Collector. 



HAMILTON HAV. 

Hamilton Hay, boot and shoe manufacturer, is a native of Stoneham, 
where he was born December 6, 1849. and is the son of Cyrus and Abby 
(Gove) Hay. 

He attended the public schools of this town until about fifteen years of 
age when he went to work in his father's factory to Igarn the shoe trade and 
learne-1 it thoroughly, working at it about three years, or until his father 
bought out a retail shoe store on Hanover Street, Boston, when the son went 
into the store to work, and remained there until he was twenty-one years of 
age, or about three years. 

When he was twenty-one his father retired from business and the son suc- 
ceeded to his manufacturing interest, and did business in the northerly part 
of the town in what is now a dwelling house near Wm. D. Byron & Co.'s 
factory. 

When he started he employed two men and turned out about two cases per 
week. He remained in that building ten years or more, and whea he re- 
moved to larger quarters in the Franklin Co-operative Shoe Co."s building, 
now the Kimball factory, he was manufacturing about seven cases per week 
and employing seven hards. Theie he increased to live cases a day and em- 
ployed about twenty-one hands. 

In 1887, the factory he now occupies on Montvale avenue, was remodelled 
for him by the owner, Thomas Lord, and on July ist of that year Mr. Hay 
removed thereto, and has since increased his output to twelve cases per day 
and gives employment to about fifty hands. Mr. Hay is now the owner of 
the building. He has never had a partner and has always manufactured the 
same kind of goods, viz : Children's and misses' grain boots and shoes for 
the New England trade. 

Mr. Hay was married in Stoneham, December 31, 1874, to Miss Emily A. 
Nickerson, a native of Gloucester, Mass., but a resident of Stoneham at the 
time. They have had three children all of whom are living, namely : 'Wil- 
fred Gove, Herman Walter and Emily Grace. 

Mr. Hay is an attendant at the Unitarian Church and is a member of Co- 
lumbian Lodge, L O. O. F. 

His residence is on Central Street, corner of William Street. 




o 

CO 

< 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ALBERT S. HOVEY. 



Albert Silas Hovey, retail provision and grocery dealer, was born in Alba- 
ny, Vt., September 28 1856, his parents being Horace N. and Fanny C. 
(Kellam) Hovey. His education was obtained in the public schools of 
Albany and Lowell, Vt., and in Evanston, 111., where he lived for two years 
with an uncle, returning to Vermont at the age of seventeen years where he 
remained a short time, and then came to Stoneham and entered the employ of 
J. B. Hovey, grocer. Pearl street, a distant relative, as clerk. He remained 
with Mr. Hovey for si.x years, having full charge of the business during the 
last two years of this time on account of ill health of his employer. At the 
•end of that time he purchased Mr. Hovey's business and continued at the 
same stand for two vears, until 1882, when he erected the building on Frank- 




A. S. HOVEY S .STORE AND RESIDENCE. 



lin Street, opposite the railroad station, residing in the upper portion and 
occupying the lower floor as a grocery and provision store up to the present 
time. He has had a prosperous business and has retained the good will and 
trade of many of his patrons from the beginning of his mercantile career. 

July 9, 1879, he was united in marriage in Stoneham to Miss Ella H. 
Harris, of Charlemont, Mass., and as the fruit of their union they have three 
children : Arthur Ernest, Maud Ella and Roy Albert. 

Mr. Hovey has always been active and prominent in religious matters, is a 
member of the Baptist Church, having been on the Executive Board of the 
Church for a number of years, Treasurer of the Sabbath School for over 
twelve years, Treasurer of the Y. M. C. A. since 1885, and a member of the 
Board of Trade. 

19 



290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

HARRY E. HERSAM. 

Harry Elmer Hersam, manufacturer of cutting dies, was born in Stone- 
ham, September 28, i860, and is the son of Isaac F. and Mary O. (Dame) 
Hersam. 

His education comprises what could be obtained in the public schools of 
Stoneham, he taking the full course in all the grades, and graduating from 
the High School in 1877. 

He then went to work making cutting dies for David Knox and has fol- 
lowed that business ever since, and always in the same shop. He worked for 
Mr. Knox for about a year when George A. Osgood bought out the business 
and Mr. Hersam continued with the latter, when he in turn purchased 
the business in October, 1888, and has carried it on up to the present time. 

He does a good business making dies for shoe, harness and rubber, largely 
the former, a good portion of his trade being right here in town although he 
has considerable from Boston and other parts of New England and some 
from a distance. 

Mr. Hersam was united in marriage in Stoneham, April 3. 1882, to Miss 
Emma Longmore, of Pembroke, Me., and one son, Norman Paul, has been 
born to them and is now living. 

Mr. Hersam is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Stoneham, 
of which he is a Past Grand. 

CHARLES B. CARLIN. 

Charles B. Carlin, provision dealer, was born in Keene, N. H., May 25, 
1841, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Blessington) Carlin. His father 
is now living at the age of 78 years, and is the only survivor of a family of 
thirteen children. 

When four years of age the subject of our sketch removed with his parents 
to Barnard, Vermont. There after he became old enough he worked on the 
farm in the summer and attended the district school in winter until he arrived 
at the age of eighteen when he went to work in Dewey's Mills at Quechee, 
Vermont, where he was employed until the breaking out of the war. 

May 8, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, Third Regiment of Vermont Infantry, 
which was a part of the First Vermont Brigade. After remaining a while in 
camp at St. Johnsbury, Vt., they went to Chain Bridge, above Washington, 
D. C, and from there to Lewinsville, Va., where they wintered. In the 
spring they advanced on Fairfax and from there went into the Peninsula. 
Mr. Carlin was all through the Peninsula campaign. At the siege of York- 
town he was one of 198 men who forded Warwick Creek at Lee's Mills, in 
front of Yerktown, and of those 198 men 78 were killed or wounded inside of 
fifteen minutes. He was all through the memorable Seven Days' Fight, at 
Golden's Farm, Peach Orchard, White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 29 1 

after that went into camp with his regiment at Harrison's Landing. He was 
in the second battle of Bull Run and was in the Maryland Campaign, at 
South Mountain and Antietam, and in the latter battle was wounded 
severely in the left hand, losing the forefinger. He went to the Philadelphia 
hospital from which he was discharged for a gun-shot wound April 6, 1863. 

After his discharge he went to Cavendisn, Vermont, where he was 
employed five years in the woolen mills and three years in a meat and provis- 
ion store. In 1871 he removed to Danvers, Mass., where he worked at 
shoemaking for two years, and in 1873 came to Stoneham and purchased a 
milk route from Jonathan Moulton which he run for twelve years. 

In 1875 he formed a co-partnership with J. D. Pierce in the meat and 
provision business on Central Street and after about a year he bought out the 
interest of Mr. Pierce and continued the business alone. In April, 1886, he 
removed to his prevent location in the basement of the Odd Fellows" building 
the entrance to his store being on Franklin street, just off Central Square. 

Mr. Carlin was married in Brattleboro, Vt., to Miss Mary A. Kelley, of 
Proctorsville, Vt., January 24, 1866, and they have two children, namely: 
Charles R. and Florence May. 

Mr. Carlin is a member of Columbian Lodge and Columbian Encampment, 
I. O. O. F., J. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., and Stoneham Council, A. L. 
of H. 

He resides on Main Street. 

GEORGE OTIS BUCKNAM. 

George Otis, son of Otis and Susan A. (Jones) Bucknam, was born in 
Stoneham, January 12, 1854. 

He obtained his education in the public schools of Stoneham, and at the 
age of sixteen found him employed at the Stoneham Amateur newspaper 
office, where he remained about a year, subsequently working in the shoe 
factories of the town. 

When quite small George's ambition was to draw and paint pictures and 
letters, evincing at his youthful age much skill and taste. In July, 1872, he 
went to work for William H. Whitney, carriage, sign and ornamental paint- 
er, corner Congress and Water Streets, Boston, serving an apprenticeship of 
four years. This firm was burned out by the great fire, Nov. 9, 1872, but 
afterward started up again at Battery March Street. In June, 1877, Mr. 
Bucknam commenced business for himself in a shop corner of Fond and 
Franklin Streets, building up a flourishing trade which extended to many o 
the towns and cities of this State. In May, 1884, he removed his business 
to a new building built by him for that purpose at the east part of the town. 

Mr. Bucknam was united in marriage in Stoneham, October 9, 1877, with 
Miss Nellie E. Blake. 



292 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



He is a member of Highland Council, No. 36, O. U. A. AI., and Tnie 
American Council, No. 15, D. of L. 

JAMES H. MURPHY. 

James H. Murphy, son ot Bernard and Alary (AIcEnaney) Murphy, is a 
native of Stoneham, and was born Feb. 28, i860. His education was ob- 
tained in the public schools of the town, and at an early age he entered the 
employ of Thomas Lord & Co., where he served an apprenticeship at the 
leather business, at which trade he worked for some years. In 1886 Air. 
Murphy was appointed Local Inspector of the Boston Post Ofifice, which 
place he resigned three years later to accept a position as a commercial trav- 
eller in Ohio and Indiana. He has served two terms on the Board 
of Selectmen, 1886 and 1887, being Clerk of the Board each year, and is the 
youngest man ever elected a Selectman of Stoneham. During the great labor 
agitation of 1886 and 1887 he was the recognized representative of the 
leather workers in Eastern Alassachusetts, and was their chosen representa- 
tive on the Board oi Arbitration with Griffin Place of Woburn, representing 
the manufacturers, and John E. Burke, shoe manufacturer, the neutral mem- 
ber, which established the price list for the curriers and tanners of New Eng- 
land, granting them an increase of 33 per cent. 

He is an ardent Democrat and takes a great interest in promoting 
his party's welfare. He is chairman of the Demotratic Town Committee, 
which position he has held for a number of years, and possesses a wide ac- 
cjuaintance with prominent members of his party in the State. He is a stu- 
dent and lover of books, and has a mind well stored with general knowledge. 
As a public speaker he is eloquent and convincing, particularly when discus- 
sino- matters appertaining to the welfare of his native town. He is a man of 
strictly temperate habits and was for many }ears a prominent member of St. 
Patrick's Total Abstinence Society. 

Air. Alurphy was married in Stoneham, Alay 27, 1888, to Aliss AI. A. Hig- 
gins of Stoneham, and one son, William Henry, has been the fruit of the 
union. 



SAMUEL G. CHAUN'CEY. 

Samuel George Chauncey, furniture dealer, is a native of Newfoundland, 
having been born in St. John's, October 16, 1836, and is the .son of Lionel 
and EHzabeth (Knight) Chauncey. 

He attended the Central Union school, of St. Johns, which he left when 
twelve years of age, and went to Prince Edward Island to live on a farm. 
Here he remained four years returning to his home in 1852. He then learned 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 293 

the trade of carriage making at which occupation he worked in St. John's 
until 1858. In July of that year he came to Boston and wa.s employed by 
Sargent & Ham, carriage builders, for some time, after which he went to 
Exeter, N. H., and worked at the same trade in the factory of Head, Jewell 
& Co. There he remained four years and during two and a half years of 
the time he boarded with the mother of Judge Wheelock G. Veazey, and 
became well acquainted with the present National Commander of the 
G. A. R. 

While there he enlisted three times for the war but was thrown out each 
time on account of his height not being up to the regulation standard, al- 
though he drilled for several months in two of the companies. 

From Exeter Mr. Chauncey went to Concord, N. H., and worked for L. 
Downing & Sons until 1864 when he came to Stoneham, where he has since 
resided. 

He bought out the carriage making business of O. A. Edgell, and con- 
ducted it alone for about a year, Mr. Edgell working for him. A partnership 
was then formed between the two men, the firm name being Edgell & Chaun- 
cey. The business was carried on in a building on Block Street, and the 
partnership was continued about two years when Mr. Chauncey sold out his 
interest to Mr. Edgell and accepted the position of foreman in charge of the 
carriage factory of Bradford & Crocker. Brockton. Mass., which position he 
retained for nearly three years. 

For several years after this he bought and sold carriages. 
A serious injury received from a strain to his side while lifting a heavy 
wagon disabled Mr. Chauncey for a number of years during which lime he 
was a great sufierer. 

In April, 18S3, he bought out the furniture store of Moses Hall, on Main 
Street, and there he has remained retailing and repairing furniture up to the 
present time. 

Mr. Chauncey was united in marriage April 28. 1866. in Billerica. .Mass., 
to Miss Mary C. Nichols, of Stoneham, the ceremony being performed by 
Rev. Elias Nason. They have had no children. 

Mr. Chauncey has always been an earnest advocate of temperance and ac- 
tive in that cause. When but sixteen years of age he joined the Cadets of 
Temperance, a junior section of the Sons of Temperance, of St. John's. 
He passed through all the officers of the Cadets, and became a member of 
the senior organization, holding successively all the offices in that body. 
He was a member of the Star of Hope Division, S. of T., of Stoneham, 
being honored in turn with all the offices in the Division. 

He was a charter member and occupied the highest office twice of 
Crystal Gem Lodge of Good Templars. When he went to Brockton to work 
he withdrew from this lodge and became a member of Fraternity Lodge of 
North Bridgewater, then the largest lodge in the State. He held several 



294 lilOC.KAl'lllCAL SKETCHES. 

offices in that Lodge, including that of Worthy Chief. While at North 
Bridgewater he was cho.sen by the Grand Lodge of Good Templar.s of Mass- 
achu.setts as delegate to the International Convention of Good Templars held 
at Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1871. He was a member of Helping Hand 
Temple of Honor, of this town, but declined office in that organization. 

He is a member of the Congregational Church. 

His residence is on the corner of Marble and Lincoln Streets. 

CHARLES BUCK. 

Charles Buck was born in Stoneham November 26, 1829. His fiither was 
Joseph Buck and his motner's maiden name was Sally Tweed. 

He received his education in the common schools, graduating from the 
High School. He worked upon his fathers farm and at butchering until 
twenty years of age, and in 1851 went to work for Allen Rowe & Sons cut- 
ting shoes and remained with them until 1861 when he was employed by 
Daniel Hill and D. 1'. Sevey at the same trade. In 1865 he formed a part- 
nership with Brown Sweetser in the meat and provision business, which con- 
tinued until November i, 1869, in the store in Central Square now occupied 
by Holden Bros. In 1869 he bought out Mr. Sweetser's interest in the bus- 
iness and soon after took in Mr. Andrew Latham as a partner. In 1872 Mr. 
Buck sold out his interest in tlie Central .S(juare store and engaged in the 
wholesale hide business at 20 Clinton Street, I>oston, where he still continues 
under the firm name of Charles Buck & Son. 

Mr. Buck was married to Cynthia F. Herrick, of South Danvers, January 
13, 1858. Three children were born to them: Charles F. Buck, Gilbert E. 
Buck and Albert F. Huck. Charles F. is now in business with his father on 
Clinton Street. Gilbert, the second son, died December 2, 1866, and Al- 
bert F. recently graduated from Amherst College with high honors, and is 
now teacling in Connecticut. Cynthia F. Buck died January 22, 1878, and 
Mr. l!uck was married again February 20, 1879, to Miss Julia P. Crawford. 

Mr. Buck is a citizen who has the respect and love of the inhabitants of 
the town in which he was born and has always livecL He has served one 
term as Selectman and refused a nomination for a second. No man stands 
higher as a loyal citizen and upright business man than he does. 

See page 28 for view of residence. 

RICHAKn DOHSCN WALL. 

Richard D. Wall, son of Gilbert and Maria (Dobson) Wall, was born in 
Bayfield, N. B., May 3, 1842. 

His early life was spent in his native town, where he received a common 
school education. He came to Boston in March, 1865, and entered the em- 
ploy of a large carriage manufacturing establishment on Beverly Street, and 
one year later came to Stoneham as an employee of O. A. Edgell, carriage 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 295 

builder, en Block Street. In 1872 he purchased the plant from Mr. Edgell, 
and ha.s continued the bu.sine.ss to the present time. During these years 
many elegant vehicles have been turned out from this establishment for this 
and other towns, including several Ijeautiful and substantially built hose 
wagons for the tire department of this town, Milton and other places. 

In 1876 he was married to Miss Eugenie Green of Stoneham. Of this 
union is one child, Hessic. 

Mr. Wall is a member of Wamscott Tribe, No. 39, Imp. O. R. M., and 
is a frequent attendant at the Methodist ELpiscopal Church. 

S. W. CHAMIIEKLI.N. 

Samuel Wentworth Chamberlin, inventor and manufacturer of machinery, 
was born in Kochester, N. H.. Dec. 21, 1832, is a descendant of William 
Chamberlin, who settled in Cambridge, Mass., in 1672, and is the son of 
Moses and Nancy (Wentworth) Chamberlin, his parents being of sturdy 
New Hampshire and Maine stock. His father was a cousin to C}en. Joshua 
L. Chamberlin, of Maine, and his grandfather, Samuel Chamberlin, was a 
Lieutenant Colonel in the War of 1812. 

On his mother\s side lie is a cousin to the well known pioneer printer 
"Long John" Wentworth, of Chicago, 111., and is a descendant of Rev. Wil- 
liam Wentworth, who settled in this country in 1638 and the next year with 
others formed a government in Exeter, N. H., and was of the same family as 
John Wentworth, the last English Colonial Governor in this countr3^ 

.Mr. Chamberlin attended the public schools of Rochester and Dover, N. 
H., leaving school at the age of fifteen and going to work in the Sawyer 
Mill, at Dover, where he was employed two 3'ears and the ye~r following was 
second overseer in the carding room of the Whitehouse Mills, Rochester, N. 
H., where, he says, "I had a good position, but like other boys did not ap- 
preciate it and gave it up, and learned to make boots and shoes." 

In May, 185 1, at the age of eighteen and a half years he went with several 
others to Charlestown, .South Carolina, where he was employed as 
foreman in the bottoming room of the South Carolina shoe factory for eight 
months. In December of the .same year he returned North and settled in 
Natick, Mass., where he employed six men and worked at the shoe business 
for two years. 

From Natick he removed to .Stoneham .March 4, 1854, soon after he was 
21 years of age. He employed .several men, and was in the shoe business 
for nearly seven years, during the last two of which he was experimenting 
on shoe machinery, and in 1859 he invented a machine for burnishing boot 
and shoe heels, on which he was granted letters patent July 23, 1861. The 
first machine was bought by George Haynes, of Haverhill, Mass., in May, 
1861. 




SAMUEL W. CHAM BERLIN. 



BIOGRAI'HICAL SKETCHES 297 

After the patent was granted Mr. Chamberlain gave up the shoe business, 
and began the manufacture of these machines, and has followed the business 
over 30 years. This was the tirst successful machine ever made for the pur- 
pose, and it superseded all other methods for finishing boot and shoe heels. 
More than 2500 of these machines have been manufactured and sold under 
his patent, many hundred of them being now in use. 

This machine was placed upon the market previous to the McKay Sewing 
or Heeling Machine, or the New Era pegging machine, or any other machine 
for bottoming boots and shoes that became generally used, but there were 
machines in use for cutting sole leather and for fitting uppers. 

Mr. Chamberlin sold a one-half interest injjthe patent in 1873 to the Tap- 
ley Heel Burnishing Machine Association, of Boston, Mass., for $12,225.00. 
and was for one year manufacturing agent for the Association, at the end of 
which time he again began manufacturing machinery on his own account, and 
has continued in the business ever since. 

He has during that time invented and improved machines, and has of late 
improved his original machine and four patents have been taken out on his 
Improved Heel Burnisher, and it again stands at the head of machinery used 
for the purpose, and patterns are now being m.ade and patents applied for on 
still more recent improvements. The machine bids fair to supersede all 
others of the kind. 

Mr. Chamberlin has taken out nine letters patents and has recently ap- 
plied for two more, and now controls si.x. At one time he controlled twenty- 
two patents, some of which were quite valuable, and has made money on 
patents an.i shoe machinery. 

He has manufactured the following patent shoe machinery: Hill Scouring 
and Buffing Machine, Rotary Power Heel Breaster, Wax Heel Burnishers, 
Edge Setters, Hot Kit Heel Burnishing Machines and many others, and has 
fitted up many shoe factories complete. 

Mr. Chamberlin was married at Natick, Mass., June 17, 1855, to Miss 
Ellen A. Austin, of Dedham, Mass., and they lived together nearly twenty- 
five years, until her death in 1879. December 25, 1881, he was married a 
second time, at Lowell, Mass., to Mrs. Georgia A. (Manning) Elderkin, of 
Machias, Maine. One son, Edgar L., who died in 1865. was born to him 
by the first wife but he has had no children by the second wife. 

Mr. Chamber]in"s advice to the coming generations is to "Work when you 
are young ; do not count the hours but the dollars and loaf when you are old, 
or earlier if you can afibrd it."" 

Mr. Chamberlin has resided in Stoneham over thirty-seven years, and for 
more than twenty years owned and occupied a fine residence No. 2 Winthrop 
street. 

Mr. Chamberlin has taken thirty-two degrees in Masonry, was one of the 
charter members of King Cvjus Lodge, of Stoneham. and is a member 



290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of Waverly Royal Arch Chapter and Hugh de Payens Commandery. K. T., 
of Melrose, and a member of the ancient and accepted Scottish Rites, of 
Boston, and belongs to the Lodge of Perfection, Council of the Princes of 
Jerusalem, Chapter of Rose Coix, Council of Kadosh and Grand Consistory 
for the State of Mass. He was also one of the charter members of Wamscott 
Tribe, No. 39, Imp. O. R. M., of Stoneham, and belongs to several other 
societies. He attends the Unitarian Chmrch. 

ROBERT HENRY BOVCE. 

Robert Henry Boyce, son of James and Jeanette Boyce, was born in Lon- 
donderry, N. H., Feb. 26, 1849. 

Lentil sixteen years of age he worked on the farm and attended the com- 
mon schools of his native town. 

In the year 1865 he came to Reading and in the spring of 1866 moved to 
Stoneham, entering the employ of his brother, C. M. Boyce, blacksmith. A 
few years later he accepted the position of engineer at Drew & BuswelFs shoe 
factory on Franklin Street, which he held until 1880, when he established 
the business of manufacturing taps, innersoles and stiftenings in the base- 
ment of the Stoneham Co-operative Shoe Company building. He com- 
menced on a small scale, and by close attention to business and constantly 
adding new and improved machinery, has built up a thriving trade in the New 
England States. Business is never dull with him, keeping steadily at work 
from 12 to 15 hands with good pay. Mr. Boyce has recently removed his 
business to more commodious quarters in T. H. Jcnes' block. 

Mr. Boyce was married in Stoneham July, 1869. to Miss Georgia A. Paul. 
Of this unionjis one child, Harry. 

Mr. Boyce is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is an at- 
tendant at the Unitarian Church. 

He has a beautiful residence on Montvale Avenue, near Main Street. 

CHARLES -M. BOVCE. 

Charles Morrison Boyce, blacksmith and stable keeper, was born in Lon- 
donderry, N. H., December 14, 1S39, and is the son of James and Jeannette 
(Moore) Boyce. 

He attended the district school in his native town and afterwards went to 
Pinkerton Academy, Derry, N. H. 

When eighteen years of age he came to Reading, Mass., and went to 
work for Myron Damon to learn the trade of a blacksmith. He served a 
three years apprenticeship with Mr. Damon, and after working at his trade 
for a year later he enlisted for nine months in Co. D, Fiftieth Massachusetts 
Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862, from Reading. 

His regiment went to Boston Rouge, and was in all the engagements 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 299 

there, and afterwards went to Port Hudson and was there during the siege 
of that place. Mr. Boyce's company remained in tlie service three months 
longer than the term of enlistment, and he was not discharged until August 
1863, after having served a year. 

In October, 1863, Mr. Boyce came to Stoneham and l)uilt a shop at Farm 
Hill, in the north part of the town, and started in the blacksmithing business 
on his own account. He remained there tliree years, wlien he bought the 
lot of land on Pleasant Street on which his business is now located and re- 
moved his shop there ; where he has since remained and has done a good 
business, necessitating the enlargement of his building. 

In addition to blacksmithing, about three years ago he opened a livery 
stable on Main Street, not far from his blacksmith shop on Pleasant Street, 
and has also been successful in that and is now doing well. 

Mr. Boyce was united in marriage in Reading, Mass., October 25, 1866, 
to Miss Henrietta M. Green, daughter of James A. Green, of Stoneham, and 
they have had one son, Charles Stevens, who is now living. 

Mr. Boyce was a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor of Stone- 
ham, for five years, is a member of J. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., Colum- 
bian Lodge, I. O. O. F.. and Miles Standish Colony, U. O. P. F. 

He resides in a homestead which he built on Pleasant Street, next to his 
blacksmith shop. 

EDCiAR L. PATCH. 

Professor Edgar L. Patch is a native of Spencer. Mass., where he was 
born December 2, 185 1, and is the son of Leonard A. and Elizabeth E. 
(Brown) Patch. 

He was educated in the public schools of Worcester, and in preparation 
for his profession he took a full course in the Massachusetts College of Phar- 
macy, of Boston, from which he graduated in 1872. 

From thirteen to si.xteen years of age he was engaged in a variety of pur- 
suits, and at sixteen he went to work in a retail drug store. 

When eighteen years of age he united on his own account with Henry 
Canning in the retail drug business at the corner of Green and Chambers 
Streets, Boston, and this co-partnership is in existence at the present time, 
the business having continued at the .same locality since it was established. 

In 1879 Mr. Patch was appointed to the chair of Theory and Practice of 
Pharmacy and in 1886 to that of Director of the Pharmaceutical Laboratory 
in the i\Iass. College of Pharmacy, corner of St. Botolph and Garrison 
Streets, Boston, and he still holds both these positions. 

Prof. Patch organized the E. L. Patch Co. and established the laboratory 
on Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, for the manufacture of chemical and phar- 
maceutical products in October, 1888. Active business operations were 
commenced May i, 18S9. Since then the plant has been twice enlarged and 




PROF. EDciAR L. PATCH. 



302 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



further additions are in contemplation and this business promises to become 
one of the most important industries of the town. 

Mr. Patch was married in St. John, New Brunswick, June 5, 1873, ^o 
Miss Matilda S. Ferguson, and six sons have been the fruit of their union, 
five of whom are living, namely: James Alfred, Arthur Lionel, Ernest 
Llewellyn, Claude Eldred and Ralph Reginald. 

Prof. Patch came to Stoneham in September, 1870. His home is at 28 
Lincoln street. 

He is a member of the First Baptist Church, of which he is Deacon and 
Treasurer and was for several years President of the Stonehem Young Men's 
Christian Association. 

See page 187 for view of laboratory. 




FRANCIS K. SWEETSER, ESQ. 

Francis K. Sweetser, attorney and counsellor at law, is a native of Stone- 
ham, where he was born January 21st, 1865. He is the son of Francis K. 
and Myra A. (Spurr) Sweetser. 

He attended the public schools of Stoneham until he was fifteen years of 
age and then went to a fitting school at West Dedham, Mass., for two years. 
He entered Tuffs College at the age of seventeen and graduated in the class 
of 1886, of which he was class historian. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 303 

He spent two years, from 1886 to 1888 in the law office of Hon. Charles 
Robinson, Boston, and during nearly two years following attended the Har- 
vard Law School. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1889 and in that year opened an office in 
the Equitable Building, Boston. In January, 1891, he entered the law office 
of Hon. Charles T. Gallagher and D. Frank Kimball, 209 Washington St., 
Boston. He has had an evening office in Central Square, Stoneham, since 
he commenced to practise. 

Mr. Sweetser was united in marriage in Saco, Maine, October 21, 1890, 
to Miss Jennie M. Clement, of Saco, formerly a resident of Stoneham. 

He is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. and A. M., and is a member of 
the Unitarian Church. 

He is a young man in whom the citizens have confidence and has been ap- 
pointed on several important committees chosen to look after special town in- 
terests, notably finances, drainage, and to look after the town's interests 
around Spot Pond. He is also a Trustee of the Public Library and Town 
Solicitor. 

PROFESSOR QUEEN. 

Charles Butterfield Melvin, Jr., better known as Prof. Queen, sonof Chas. 
B. and Maria C. Melvin, was born in Lawrence, Mass., 1850. He received 
his education in the grammar and private schools of that city and Eaton's 
Commercial College, Boston. At the age of thirteen he entered the employ 
of the Weekly Journal printing office, Lawrence, remaining about one year, 
when he accepted a position on the Essex Banner of Haverhill, Mass., as 
press boy; from there he came to Stoneham with his parents in 1865, where 
he has since made his home. 

Mr. Melvin first engaged in the show business under his own management 
in 1866. For ten years he played alone in the smaller towns of Massachusetts, 
New York and Connecticut. In 1876 he entered into partnership with an 
old showman, Charles H. Dearborn, and for eight years ran very successfully 
several exhibitions — Orium & Pond's Panorama, Burnham's Tableaux of 
America, etc. After the death of his partner, he played successful engage- 
ments for many prominent managers at a good salary, viz : Rich & Harris, 
B. F. Keith, Austin & Stone, Bradenburg of Philadelphia. 

After leaving Mr. Bradenburg he retired from the show business for two 
years, and became assistant manager of the Central Hotel, but on account of 
several complications and not liking hotel life, he accepted an engagement 
for four months from Mr. Geo. H. Batcheller, the well known circus manager, 
to lecture Prof. Woodward's famous seals ; from here he went to the Front 
Street Theatre and Museum at Worcester, under the same management, and 
occupied the position of lecturer and assistant superintendent, remaining 
there four months, but his health again failing him he returned to Stoneham, 



304 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



where for the past 3 years he has resided, playing occasional engagements 
for societies, museums, etc., besides being a skilful necromancer and lec- 
turer. Prof. Queen is a writer of merit for the local press, many of his 
articles having been read with delight. 




PROFESSOR QUEEN. 

r. He is a Past Grand of Unity Lodge, No. 77, 1. O. O. F., of Boston, a 
member of the Board of Trade of Stoneham, and also the Town Finance 
Committee, Providence Lodge ot Elks, and attends the Congregational 
Church, Stoneham. 

HCjWas is 1871 married to Miss Ida G. Green, daughter of Benjamin and 
Martha Green of Stoneham. 

After travelling for over twenty-five years he has chosen Stoneham' as his 
permanent place of residence, and is now building a fine residence on the 
•outskirts ot the town, where in his old age he can enjoy the fruits of his 
labors. 

JOHN BEST. 

John Best, shoe manufacturer, was born in Boston January 17, 1S36, and 
is the son of James and Ellen (Graham) Best. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



305 



He attended the public schools of Boston, and went for two years to the 
English High School. 

In January, 1S51, he came to .Stoneham and worked from that time to 
1 86 1 in the shoe shops. 

In July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, Tliirtecnth Regiment, was a corporal 
and served for three years. He was engaged in the following battles: Dam 
No. 5, Falling Waters, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Antictam, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Rapahannock Station, Cedar Mountain, 




JOHN BEST. 

■Gettysburg and Wilderness. He was wounded in the left arm at the Battle 
of Gettysburg, July i, 1863, and wounded in the left hand and received a 
gun-shot wound in the right thigh at the Battle of the Wilderness. He was 
confined in several hospitals on account of his wounds and was taken pris- 
ner in several battles. He was discharged at Boston, August i, 1864. 

After his discharge he returned to Stoneham and was again employed in 
the shoe factories, being for sometime foreman of the cutting room at E. P. 
Duncklee's. He was one of the incorporators of the Stoneham Co-opera- 
tive Boot & Shoe Co. and was its first president and agent, remaining with 
the company for three years. From 1875 to 1880 he worked in different 
20 



3o6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

factories and in the latter year went into partnership with W. H. Gorham in 
the manufacture of misses', children's, boys' and youths' grain and split 
shoes, the firm name being Gorham & Best. They did business in a portion 
of the Stoneham Co-operative Co.'s factory, employing about twelve hands 
besides working themselves, and turning out three cases per day. In 1886 
Mr. Best bought Mr. Gorham's interest and has since done business alone. 
About four years ago he removed to his present location in the Rounds Build- 
ing, on Main street. He manufactures about four cases per week for the 
New England trade. 

Mr. Best was married in Charlestown, Mass., November 25, 1858, to Miss 
S. Elizabeth Clark, of that city. They have had five children, all now living, 
viz: Alfred E., John H., Mary L., Fred W. and Lucy I. They reside at 
No. 31 Pond Street. 

Mr. Best is a member of J. P. Gould Post 75, G. A. R., of which he was 
Adjutant four years and Commander one term, and has been a delegate to 
the National Encampment at San Franncisco, Columbus, Ohio, Milwaukee, 
Wis., and will also go to Detroit in the same capacity. He is also Assistant 
C. of R. of Wamscott Tribe, Imp. O. R. M., Secretary of Stoneham Coun- 
cil, A. L. of H., Secretary of Miles Standish Colony, U. O. P. F., is a 
member of Stoneham Council, Royal Conclave of K. & L., the Fraternal 
Associates of America and Wyoming Lodge, F. & A. M., and has taken a 
demit from Waverly Royal Arch Chapter and Hugh de Payens Commandery, 
of Melrose. 

He was an Assessor of Stoneham for four years, Collector of Taxes for 
three years and was Representative to the Legislature for one term. 

WILLIAM p. FLETCHER. 

William Putnam Fletcher, paper box manufacturer, was born in Woburn, 
Mass., January 29, 1861, and is the son of Bernard and Lydia (Home) 
Fletcher. 

He was educated in the public schools of Woburn, going partly through 
the High School. 

Upon leaving school he went to work for Roland Davis to learn the busi- 
ness of making paper boxes, and was with him about two years, and was 
afterwards employed for two years by the Woburn Paper Box Co., John 
Honey, proprietor. 

He then started in business for himself in Woburn, where he remained 
about three years, and then came to Stoneham in 1884, commencing busi- 
ness on Main street, in the old Richardsan & Critchett shop, now Patrick 
Cogan's. He remained there about two years, was in the Rounds' building 
on Main Street for a year, and then removed to larger quarters in Jerome 
Fay's shop, on Pine Street. After doing business there about four years he 



lilOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 307 

built the large new factory he now occupies on Pleasant Street, and moved 
into it in February, 1891. 

When he commenced business he had no custom to speak of. He made 
shoe cartons and fancy bo.\es, employing three others besides himself. On 
coming to Stonehem he gave up fancy work and gave all his attention to 
making shoe cartons, employing about ten hands and turning out about 
1200 boxes per day. 

His trade is mostly local, has steadily increased from year to yeer until he 
now employs about twenty-five hands and his output is 5000 boxes per day. 

Mr. Fletcher has been twice married, first in Woburn, November 28, 1883, 
to Miss Sarah M. Brackett, of Cambridge, who died in the following August, 
and second in Stoneham, October 29, 1890, to Miss Edna A. Benton, 
daughter of L. P. Benton, of this town. 

Mr. Fletcher is a member of Crystal Fount Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Wo- 
burn, Boston Encampment, I. O. O. F., of Boston, and of the Stoneham 
Board of Trade. 

WILLIAM TIDD. 

William Tidd, retired leather manufacturer, is one of the best known citi- 
zens of Stoneham, having been for many years the head of the well-known 
firm of William Tidd & Co., tanners and curriers of leather, one of the most 
extensive and successful manufacturing firms in this line of business in the 
country. No man stands higher among the members of this trade than Wil- 
liam Tidd. Mr. Tidd is a tanner by inheritance as well as by superior 
knowledge and life-long experience in the business. His ancestors for three 
generations were leather makers. His great-grandfather, Jonathan, built a 
tannery and currying shop in 1748 where J. Otis Cummings' factory now 
stands in North Woburn. Mr. Tidd's grandfather, also named Jonathan, 
succeeded to the business of his father, and for a time is said to have been 
the only leather maker in Woburn. The first ancestor of Mr. Tidd in this 
country, John Tidd, came from the Isle of Wight. When a mere boy Wm. 
Tidd worked in his father's factory and long before he arrived at maturity 
had acquired a thorough knowledge of the trade. 

Mr. Tidd is the son of William and Rosanna (Buckman) Tidd, and was 
born in North Woburn, Mass., July 15, 1814, the house in which he was 
ushered into the world being now occupied as the Woburn Home for Aged 
Women. The homestead had passed out of the hands of the Tidd family 
but several years ago Mr. William Tidd caused negotiations to be made for 
its purchase, and after securing possession he presented it to the corporation 
of the above named home, and it was dedicated with elaborate exercises 
about two years ago to its present use. It was remodeled somewhat and en- 
larged, and is now an ideal home for its purpose. 




^^^ %^ 




WILLIAM TIDD. 



•^iL 



i'A0 V 




310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Mr. Tidd attended the public schools of Woburn and in his spare time 
worked in bis father's currying shop. He also attended the Warren Academy 
in that town . 

His health not being very good he started off on his twenty-first birthday 
on a fishing trip and was gone about six months, and on his return he again 
went to work for his father. His father becoming embarassed William occu- 
pied several years in settling up the business after which he finished leather 
with his brother Charles for awhile. 

In 1840 Mr. Tidd came to Stoneham and in partnership with Wm. T. 
Bloomer, as Tidd & Bloomer, they finished leather in the basement of the 
old tavern in Central Square, giving employment to ore other man besides 
themselves. It was in a small way but Mr. Tidd laconically says: "Had to 
do something; got to live, and worked hard tc do it, too." 

After six months they bought a little shop on the corner of Main and 
Church Streets, about where Mr. Tidd's residence now stands. After awhile 
as their business incrersed they needed more room, so moved the shop back 
down by the common and enlarged it. This was in 1847 or '4^ '^"d at this 
time they were employing about twenty hands finishing leather for other 
parties. 

They remained there about five years and then built a factory on the site 
of the present factory of Wm. Tidd & Co., on Pine Street, and it is now a 
part of the latter. The original building was 40 x 80 feet, with three floors 
including the basement, and was built in 1852. The old shop was sold and 
was afterwards divided up and moved away. The firm was still Tidd & 
Bloomer and they continued to curry for others, although they commenced 
tanning in 1854 and finished on their own account as well, making money 
until 1 86 1, when the war bioke out. At that time business came to a stand 
still and failures were general. Tidd & Bloomer lost a great deal of money 
by bad debts and indorsements but by a hard struggle kept from failing and 
dissolved partners! ip in 1861. 

From February 1862 to January 1866 Mr. Tidd was in business alone but 
on the latter date he took Iii.s son Charles into company with him under the 
firm name of Wm. Tidd A: Co.. and from that time on the active manage- 
ment of the busiress citvclvi il upon the son. In January, 1866, Mr. Tidd's 
son-in-law, Mr. Charles II. 1 rown, was admitted as a partner. Good times 
prevailed for years and ihc fiiMi worked hard, rapidly increased its business 
and made mone\- fast. Sime .he factory was first built it has been enlarged 
a number of times and is no ..n (.xtensive plant. This firm has employed 
at one time more than 225 hands and has turned out immense quantities of 
leather, keeping the help employed all through the year and never stopping 
the factory even when business was dull. 

Ahout the time of the great Boston fire Mr. Tidd retired from active busi- 
ness but continued as a member of the firm for a number of years later. He 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3 II 

has no interest in the business at present although his name remains at the 
head of the firm, and he owns the buildings. 

Mr. Tidd is now accounted the wealthiest man in Stoneham and is the 
largest taxpayer. He owns considerable real estate and the mansion on 
Main Street where he lives is one of the finest residences in town. Although 
nearly seventy-seven years of age Mr. Tidd is in perfect health, is active, 
bright and smart and appears good for the enjoyment for many years to come 
of the fruits of his labors and close attention to business. 

Mr. Tidd was united in marriage in North Woburn while a resident of that 
village, September ii, 1836, to Miss Harriet H. Flagg, of that place. 
The ceremony took place in the house where Count Rumford was born, it 
being the home of Miss Flagg's mother at the time of the wedding. They 
have had six children, four of whom are living and reside in Stoneham, viz. : 
Oriana, wife of Charles H. Brown, Charles William, John Buckman and 
Hattie Flagg, wife of Frank A. Walker. 

Mr. Tidd has never had any inclination or ambition for office, political or 
otherwise, and has therefore not been prominent in town affairs, but possesses 
the respect of the people of the town to whose prosperity he has contributed 
much. 

He is an attendant at the Unitarian Church, is a member of Wyoming 
Lodge, F. and A. M., Waverly Royal Arch Chapter and Hugh de Payens 
Commandery, all of Melrose. 

He was for twenty-four years a Trustee of the Stoneham Five Cents Sav- 
ings Bank and was for a number of years chosen as one of the Vice Presi- 
dents. 

JOHN M. NO YES. 

John Murray Noyes, shoe manufacturer, was born in Auburn, Me., Jan- 
uary I, 1848, and is the son of Nathan Whitney and Sally (White) Noyes. 

He attended the common schools of Auburn until he was about sixteen 
years of age and during his school days learned to make sloes of his father^ 
that being the latter"s trade. 

Soon alter finishing his schooling he took out work from a shoe manufac- 
turer and did bottoming of shoes by contract on his own account. This he 
continued up to the time he came to Stoneham in the summer of 1867. 

He went to work here for R. W. Emerson & Co., and was employed at 
shoe making by that firm until the fall of 1872, when he went back to 
Auburn and worked for the shoe manufacturing firm of D. Harwood & Co. 

In the summer of 1875 he returned to Stoneham and was employed in the 
factory of John Hill «& Co. for two years and then by John Barrett, of Mel- 
rose, for two years. 

In the spring of 1879 he went into company with Vinton & Jenkins, of 
this town, shoe manufacturing, and was with them until November, 1887, 



312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

when he went into business alone in the FitzGerald Building, on Hancock 
Street, and has remained there since. 

When he first started alone he manufactured about three cases per day of 
misses' and children's, boys" and youths' medium grade shoes for the retail 
trade, and employed about twenty-five hands. About a year and a half ago 
he stopped selling to the retail trade and now manufactures wholly for job- 
bers. His business has steadily increased until it has reached eight cases 
per day, employing about fifty hands. 

In June, 1890, Mr. Noyes went to Warren, R. I., where he manufactured 
the majority of his goods for nine months and then gave up and returned to 
Stoneham. He is now preparing to make ten to twelve cases, seventy-two 
pairs to a case, per day, which will employ sixty or more hands. He now 
manufactures a medmm line of misses' and children's grain and glove grain 
heel and spring-heel boots and shoes for the Western, South Western and 
Southern trade. 

Mr. Noyes was married in Auburn, Me., November 7, 1868, to Miss Mary 
S. Frye, a native of Andover, Mass., but a resident of Auburn at the time of 
marriage. She died without issue February 20, 1887. 

Mr. Noyes united with Tranquil Lodge, F. & A. M., of Auburn, June 30, 
1868, and is still a member of that lodge. He is a charter member of Wam- 
scott Tribe, Imp. O. R. M., was elected its first Sachem and has held the 
oflice three terms and has recently been elected to the same office again. He 
was a member of the Knights of St. Crispin when that order was in existence, 
and was also a member, and for a time Dictator, of Stoneham Lodge, K. of 
H., but withdrew in good standing in 1887. 

LENN/EUS C. PKESCOTT. 

Lennteus Clayton Prescott, railway conductor, was born in Fitchburg, 
Mass., August 24, 1855, and is the son of Nathan Otis and Lucy A. (Rich- 
ardson) Prescott. 

His parents removed to Nashua, N. H., when he was about five years of 
age and he attended the public schools of that city. Afterwards going to 
Providence, R. I., to live with his uncle he took a course in the Bryant and 
Stratton Commercial College in that city, after leaving which he assumed the 
charge of real estate and kept accounls lor his uncle until 1876. 

In that year he returned to Nashua and entered the employ of the Boston 
& Lowell R. R. as train baggage master between Nashua and Boston. 

He held that position for eight years when he was transferred to Stoneham 
and appointed as conductor on passenger trains between this town and Bos- 
ton. He has remained here since, continuing in the capacity of a conductor 
and running between Stoneham and other places on the railroad, now a part 
of the Boston & Maine system, and Boston. Through his efforts since he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



3^5 



has been a conductor Stoneham has secured additional trains and other im- 
provements and by being atfable and courteous he has become very popular 
with the regular patrons who travel on his trains. This is evidenced by sev- 
eral elegant presents he has received from them. The class of 1887 of 
Tufts' College presented him with a valuable gold-headed cane ; in 1889 he 
was the recipient from the students of the same college of a magnificent gold 
watch, the works being the best movement made by the American Watch Co. 
of Waltham, and the heavy gold cases being properly inscribed within and 
containing his monogram engraved on the outer case; and on January i, 




LENN/EUS C. PRESCOTT. 



1 89 1, his friends and patrons of the road, among them being the college 
boys and passengers from all points on the line, gave him a costly solid silver 
lantern, together with a gold watch chain and a charm in the form of a gold 
ticket punch, which is an e.xact miniature counterpart of the one he uses on 
his daily rounds. 

Mr. Prescott'was married in Stoneham, September 27, 1886, to Miss Min- 
nie E. Burtt, of this town. A son and daughter have been born to them 
both of whom have passed away. 



314 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Mr. Prescott is a member of Fells Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Stoneham, 
and an attendant at the Baptist Church, Tremont Temple, Boston. 

JAMES W. MACDONALD. 

James Wallace MacDonald, Principal of the Stoneham High School, was 
born in Holton, Me., June 26, 1844, his parents being Alexander and Nancy 
MacDonald. 

When he was about a year old his parents removed to Bangor, and his 
early education was obtained in a district school in a suburb of that city, 
where, vvith a course of ten weeks of each year and private study at home, he 
fitted for the Bangor High School, from which he graduated in 1864. 




J. W. MACDONALD. 

By extra study he entered Bowdoin College a year in advance, beginning 
with the sophomore class and graduating in 1867. He then came to Rock- 
land,JMass., and took charge of the High School there for a time and for a 
yearfafterwards had charge of the Academy at Hanover, Mass. Following 
that^he was principal of the High School at Soulli Abington, now Whitman, 
Mass., for five years. While there he started the South Abington Times 
which he published in connection with his school duties. He was also Pres- 
ident of the Plymouth County Teachers' Association. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 315 

In 1876 he sold out the Times and gave up his position as teacher in Whit- 
man to accept the principalship of the Stoneham High School, entering upon 
his duties here in September of that year and continuing in charge to the 
present time. 

Mr. MacDonald is much interested in his work and his influence as an ed- 
ucator is felt not only at home but extends to other parts of the country. He 
has published works on Geometry and has a reform method of teaching this 
study, published within two years, which is attracting considerable attention. 
He has also lectured on this method before the Mass. Institutes in charge of 
the Board of Education of the State. The present natural method of teach- 
ing Latin which is now spreading over the country was first taught in the 
Stoneham High School in 1880, during his principalship. 

Through his efforts the Stoneham Teachers' Association was formed and 
he has been its president since its organization. He is also a member of the 
Mass. Teachers' Club and of the Mass. High School Teachers' Association, 
and was president of the latter for two years, up to the present year. He is 
also a member of the Mass. State Teachers' Association and was secretary 
for three years. 

Mr. MacDonald was united in marriage in Whitman, Mass., November, 
24, 1874, to Miss Emma F. Prouty, of that town. His residence is on 
Montvale Avenue. 

While living in Whitman he joined Puritan Lodge, F. and A. M., from 
which he took a demit when he came to Stoneham. He is a charter member 
of Stoneham Council, A. L. of H., and for a few years was its treasurer. 

He was one of the incorporators and assisted in the organization of the 
Stoneham Co-operative Bank and has been secretary of this institution for 
the past year. 

Soon after Mr. MacDonald came to Stoneham he became impressed with 
the fact that the town was peculiarly adapted by natural beauties for a resi- 
dential town and its progress in this direction seemed to him to be prevented 
only by lack of proper railroad facilities with Boston. 

He gave much attention to this subject and satisfied himself that a railroad 
from the centre through the Fells was feasible, and in 1890 he caused a dis- 
cussion of the subject to be brought up in his school as a portion of the ex- 
ercises of the graduating class which created general public interest and had 
great influence in stirring up the citizens to bring about tlic building of such 
a road. 

The Board of Trade took the matter in hand and has had the hearty co- 
operation of Mr. MacDonald in accomplishing the desirable result which is 
now about to be secured. 

He was chairman of the combined railroad committee of the Board of 
Trade and citizens up to the time of the town meeting at which money was 
voted to insure the building of the railroad. 



3l6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

CHARLES E. HORNE. 

Charles Edwin Home, chairman of the Board of Assessors, is a native of 
Farmington, N. H., where he was born September 25, 1838, and is the son 
of Peter M. and Mary E. (Pendexter) Home. 

He attended the common schools at Farmington and the academy at 
Wolfboro, N. H., and assisted his father about the farm during the same 
time. 

In the spring of 1858 he came to Stoneham and went to work in the shoe 
shop of W. F. Knowles to learn the trade. He was employed by Mr. 
Knowles and others until the war broke out, when he enlisted in Co. G, 
Thirteenth Regiment Mass. Vol. Infantry, from Stoneham. He was mus- 
tered into the service as a sergeant July 16, 1861, and served three years in 
the various capacities from sergeant to first lieutenant. He was wounded 
slightly at the battle of Gettysburg, and lost his right arm from a wound 
received at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 8, 1864, where he 
was also taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison, at Richmond, for 
about five months. He was then paroled, came home, and was discharged 
in September, 1864, his regiment having been mustered out while he was in 
prison. 

Since the war he has continued to live in Stoneham. 

In 1866 he was appointed to a position in the Massachusetts House of 
Reoresentatives, and was employed there about ten years. 

He was appointed Postmaster of Stoneham by President Grant and held 
the office for nearly sixteen years, until he was removed by President Cleve- 
land. 

In 1887-88 he was Collector of Taxes of Stoneham, and for the past five 
years has been on the Board of Assessors, of which he is now chairman. 

Mr. Home was married in Bethel, Maine, October 20, 1875, to Miss 
Addie C. Stevens, a native of Bethel, but a resident of Stoneham at that 
time. They have had one daughter, who died in January, 1890. 

Mr. Home is a member of J. P. Gould Post j^^ G. A. R., of Columbian 
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Stoneham Council, A. L. of H., a member and a 
Past Dictator of Stoneham Lodge, K. of H., and attends the Unitarian 
Church. He owns and resides in a pretty residence on Central Street. 



Arthur William Rice, newsdealer, stationer, etc., was born in Sturbridge, 
Mass., July 14, 1846, and is the son of William H. and Mary A. (Phillips) 
Rice. 

He obtained his schooling in the common schools of his native town, and 
afterwards served an apprenticeship of four years in printing offices in 
Worcester and Boston. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



317 



Following this he was travelling salesman for about a year, and on May i, 
1S69, he came to Stoneham and opened a news, stationery and periodical 
store on Franklin Street, nearly opposite his present location, and in the fall 
of 1888 removed to the store he now occupies, which was built for him by 
the Stoneham Odd Fellows' Hall Association. 

Mr. Rice is a member and Past Master of King Cyrus Lodge, F. & A. M., 
and a member of Beulah Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, both of Stone- 
ham, also of Waverly Royal Arch Chapter and Hugh de Payens Command- 
ery, of Melrose, and of Aleppo Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of 
Boston; also of Highland Council, O. U. A. M., of Stoneham. 

He is now Tax Collector of Stoneham, to which office he was elected at 
the annual March town meeting of 1891. 




JAMES 



WHITCHER. 



James Edgar Whitcher. son of Amos and Polly Whitcher, was born in 
Benton, Grafton County, N. H., November 29, 1847. 

He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, 
after which he was a student at the Newbury (Vermont) Seminary, and at 
the New Hampton (New Hampshire) Literary Institution and Commercial 
College. 



3l8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

When twenty-two years of age he entered the employ of A. W. Arnold, 
the veteran grocer, and after an experience of seven years, formed a partner- 
ship with his brother under the firm name of VVhitcher Brothers, conducting 
the grocery business for ten yeais at the corner of Main and Winter streets, 
when he sold out to his brother, later engaging in the same business for A. 
F. Willey with whom he still remains. 

Mr. Whitcher was married in Salem, on the 8th of September, 1875, to 
Susan R., daughter of Person C. and Lucy (Webber) Thompson, of Stone- 
ham. 

They reside in the modest but pretty house, recently erected by Mr. 
Whitcher, at the corner of Benton and Warren Streets, in the Lincolnville 
district. 

In politics he is an ardent Republican. Mr. Whitcher has enjoyed 
the confidence of his party, having been for many years a member of the 
town committee and its present chairman. 

In 1887 and "88 he was a Representative to the General Court, defeating 
for the first time George Cowdrey, for several years the Dean of the House ; 
serving upon the committee on drainage, performing the duties of Secretary. 
In 1888 he also held the office of Selectman. 

In religious and social circles he has ever been active and prominent. 
Since 1869 he has been a steward or trustee of the First Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Stoneham, and for several years Superintendent of the Sunday 
School and director of the musical service. In temperance work he has been 
equally active having been early a member of the Good Templars, Secretary 
of the Law and Order League, and for two years Grand Worthy Templar of 
the Temple of Honor of Mass. He is also a member of Columbian Lodge, 
No. 29, I. O. O. F., and was the first president of the Stoneham Board of 
Trade, in all departments winning the respect and approval of his associates 
as an active progressive citizen. 

J. ALDEN STOCKWELL. 

James Alden Stockwell, attorney and counsellor at law, was born in Stone- 
ham September 16, i860, and is the son of Albert S. and Fannie E. 
(Bryant) Stockwell. His great-grand-father on his father's side was one of 
the pioneer settlers of Lancaster, N. H., and on his mothers side his ances- 
tors have lived for two hundred years in the territory incuded in Stoneham. 

In the acquirement of his education Mr. Stockwell has stmggled very 
manfully and to his own efforts solely is the credit due for what he possesses. 
When he was but three years of age his father died in Andersonville prison, 
in 1864, leaving the wife and mother with four children to support and 
without means. 

The subject of this sketch was kept in the public schools of his native 



BIOGRAP?IICAL SKETCHES. 3I9 

town until he was fourteen years of age when he was obliged to leave and go 
to work. He was employed in Hill & Rowe's shoe factory for a short time 
and then went onto a farm in Richmond, N. H., where he remained a year 
and then returned to Stoneham and entered the shoe factory of Brackett & 
Mann, at Farm Hill. There he worked for four years at the bench, at the 
end of which time he felt warranted, with what money he had saved, in 
attending Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., for the purpose of fitting 
for college. He took the regular four years classical course in two years and 
two terms and earned as much money as he could during vacation time. 

In 1882 he entered Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Conn., but his 
funds giving out after he had been there a short time he was obliged to give 
up and come back to Stomeham to work. He was employed by Hill & 
Rowe and afterwards by Sanborn & Mann at lasting shoes until 1884, when 
with the money he had saved from his wages he continued his college course 
at the Boston University College of Liberal Arts, having an opportunity to 
teach in the evening schools of Boston and in private schools and at tutor- 
ing, thus being enabled to cover his expenses. 

In 1886 he entered the Boston University School of Law from which he 
graduated in 1888 and took the degree of L. L B., acquiring the three year's 
course in two years. During the first year he had charge of the English 
department of Comer's Commercial College and in the second year gave 
lectures on Commercial law in the same school, earning over $1000 in the 
two years besides keeping up his studies. 

He was admitted to the bar in July, 1888, and immediately opened an 
office in Boston, at 29 Pemberton Square, and in November he opened an 
office in Stoneham, being now located in Chase's Block, Central Square. 

Mr. Stockwell is unmarried, is an attendant at the Congregational Church, 
is a member of the Theta Delta Chi of the College Fraternity, King Cyrus 
Lodge, F. & A. M., Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., Wamscott Tribe, Imp. 
O. R. M., John H. Dike Camp, S. of V., and the National Society of the 
Sons of the American Revolution, and is a special Justice for the Fourth 
District Court of Eastern Middlesex. 

He was one of the first promoters and organizers of the Stoneham National 
Bank, and it is largely due to his energy that the town is now favored with 
this institution. 

J. W. SPENCER. 

John Willard Spencer, carpenter and builder, was born in Berwick, Maine, 
December 13, 1831, and is the son of Jonathan and Abigail (Wentworth) 
Spencer. 

He obtained his schooling in the common schools of his native place and 
afterwards worked on his father's farm lor a time. 

In 1849 he removed to Lawrence, Mass., where he served as an apprentice 



320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

at the trade of carpenter and joiner, for two and a half years. He remained 
in Lawrence working for others and during the latter part of the time in 
business for himself, until July 5, 1858, when he came to Stoneham. 

He went to work on the new factory of John Hill & Co., then in process 
of erection, and when that was finished went into business with Elijah H. 
Clement, with whom he was associated until the spring of 1861, when he en- 
listed for three years as a private in Co. G, Thirteenth Mass. Vol. Inf. and 
was mustered in July 16. He was promoted to Corporal August i, 1862, to 
Sergeant January i, 1863, and to Orderly Sergeant Nov. i, 1863. 

He served in the Army of the Potomac, and was in the second battle of 
Bull Run, Chantilla, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Wilderness 
and all the battles in which his regiment participated, except Gettysburg, . 
when he was in the hospital. 

He was made a prisoner at the battle of Laurel Hill but was soon after 
reCfiptured by Sheridan's Cavalry near Beaver Dam Station. In about a 
fortnight he was returned to his regiment after going down around Richmond 
with Sheridan to the James River. 

He was mustered out in front of Petersburg in July, 1864, and came home 
and after being discharged resumed his former business alone, Mr. Clement 
having died in the meantime. 

In 1882 he took his son, Frank W., into business with him and they have 
continued together since. Among the prominent buildings which he has 
erected are the Hill & Rowe factory, most of the factory now occupied by 
Vinton & Jenkins, one of the large factories owned by M. H. FitzGerald, the 
residences of Arad Gerry, William Tidd, E. L. Patch, Onslow Gilmore and 
T. H. Jones. He has also built many others, in all amounting to over one 
hundred. 

Mr. Spencer has been married twice, the first time in Lee, N. H., May 21, 
1853, to Miss Elizabeth A. Brown, of Nottingham, N. H., to whom one 
son, Frank W., was born and is now living. She died in 1856. 

His second marriage took place in Melrose, Mass., February 20, 1863, to 
Miss Eliza A. Sanborn, of Brookfield, N. H. Two daughters, Lizzie and 
Addie, both living have been the fruit of this union. Mr. Spencer and 
family reside on Hancock Street. 

Mr. Spencer was Representative to the Legislature in 1882 from this 
district, is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. & A. M., and Stoneham 
Council, A. L. of H., of Stoneham, and is an attendant at the Unitarian 
Church. 

THOMAS H. JONES. 

Thomas Henry Jones, shoe manufacturer, was born in Lancaster, Mass., 
October 14, 1835, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Tweed) Jones. 
Jlis education was obtained in the common schools of Lancaster, Lunen- 




JOHN W. SPE-\'CER. 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

burg and Stoneham, Mass., and for a time he attended the commercial col- 
lege of Payson & Dunton, in Boston. 

He came to Stoneham March 19, 1850, and went to work for Allen Rowe 
& Son, doing all sorts of work about their factory and grocery store, when 
not attending school. After tnnishing his schooling he continued with this 
firm until i860, about ten years in all. He then went to work in the shoe 
factory of Sweetser, Battles & Co., where he was also employed about ten 
years, when he accepted a salaried position with R. W. Emeison, at Mel- 
rose, as general manager of Mr. Emerson's shoe factory. Here he remained 
about a year when Mr. Emerson removed his business to Stoneham, Mr. 




THOMAS H. JONES. 

Jones continuing with him in the same capacity for several years when he be- 
came a general partner, the firm being called R. \V. Emerson & Co. In 
1880 Mr. Jones bought out the business and went into partnership with H. 
H. Mawhinney and H. H. Seaver, under the firm name of H. H. Mawhin- 
ney & Co., and he has continued in company with these gentlemen up to the 
present time. 

When Mr. Jones first became a partner with R. \V. Emerson the firm em» 
ployed about 125 hands and manufactured about fifteen cases of women's, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKKTCHES. 323 

misses" and children's slices per day. They did business in tlie Tidd factory 
on Pine Street, cofner of Tidd Street, the factory being enlarged for them 
twice during the tfen years. Tliey continually increased their output and 
in 1880, when thev diss(jlved they were making about thirty cases per clay and 
employing aljout 200 hands. 

H. H. Mawhinney & Co. remained in the Tidd l)uilding until 1S90, the 
business growing until they were turning;^out about 2500 to 3000 pairs per 
day and giving employment to nearly 275 hands. 

In 1889 Mr. Jones purchased land, with buildings thereon, between Frank- 
lin and Block Streets, removed the buildings and in the fall began preparing 
the foundation for his present extensive factory. This was finished and oc- 
cupied in October, 1890. It is a modern equipped factory, containing new 
and improved machinery, and is the largest in Stoneham. It is 175 feet 
long, 50 feet wide, has five finished stories and a cellar, and in its arrange- 
ment and furnishing comprises all the latest ideas that experience has devised 
for a shoe factory, and is convenient in all its appointments. Under pres- 
sure of business it would probably accommodate 500 hands and could turn 
out 100 cases per day. At present about iys hands are cm.ployed and the 
output is fifty cases per day of pebble, oil and glove grain and women's, 
misses' and children's pegged, standard screw and sewed polka, polish and 
button boots and shoes for Southern and Western trade. In addition to this 
factory Mr. Jones furnishes power to the building facing on Central Sc|uare 
which he bought of Mr. Mawhinney in 1889. This he remodeled, finishing 
the front part of the first and second floors into stores and offices, and letting 
the balance for manufacturing purposes. 

Mr. Jones has been twice married, first in Charlestown. Mass. 
1859, to Miss Eunice Maria Frost, of Charlestown, who died about two 
years later. His second marriage was in Melrose, October 4, 1865, to Miss 
Caroline L. Sweetser, of Stoneham. By the latter he has had one daughter, 
Carrie Emerson, who is now living. 

Mr. Jones has always given his attention wholly to business, has never 
mingled in public affairs or held office, and has never joined any of the fra- 
ternal societies. 

He resides in a substantial residence on the corner of Warren and School 
Streets, which he built in 1878. 

DEXTER BLCKNAM. 

Dexter Bucknam is a native of Stoneham where he was born January 3. 
1817, and is the son of Edward and Sally (Willey) Bucknam. He ha; 
always resided in .Stoneham and was educated in the common schools of the 
town. In 1825 and '26 there was no school-house in the district and the 
school which he attended then was kept in the dwelling house now owned by 
Jonathan Green, on Green's lane. 



324 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



He learned the shoemaker's trade and after leaving school worked at it 
until he was [about twenty years of age when he commenced manufacturing 
misses' and children's shoes for the retail and jobbing trade which he con- 
tinued for twenty-five years. 

In 1850 he was appointed by the late Judge Charles Devens, who was then 
U. S. Marshal for Mass., to take the census for the towns of Reading, Noith 
Reading, South Reading, now Wakefield, Melrose and Stoneham. For about 
twenty-five years he acted as a justice for the trial of civil and criminal cases 
in Stoneham. 




DEXTER BUCKNAM. 

Mr. Bucknam was married^ in IJoston in 1844 to Miss Eliza Shay, of 
Boston. 

He has six children, all daughters, living, namely: Eliza A., Maria P., 
wife of Daniel Gilson, of New Ipswich, N. H., Sarah C, wife of Frederick 
A. Pierce, of Brighton, Mass., Ella I., wife of W. A. Stone, of Melrose, 
Mass., Josephine, wife of Wm. E. Worcester, of Allston, Mass., and Georgi- 
anna, wife of Charles S. LeBaron, of Boston. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKF.TCHES. 325 

He was one of the incorporators of the Stoneham Five Cents Savings 
Bank and has been for a number of years one of tlie trustees. 

He enjoys the distinction of having been an Odd Fellow longer than any- 
other man in Stoneham, his membership dating back over forty-nine years. 
He joined Crystal Fount Lodge, No. 9, of Woburn, May 26, 1842, and went 
through the chair and became a Past Grand and a member of the Grand 
Lodge in August, 1843. In that year there were enough joined this lodge 
from Stoneham to form a lodge in their own town, and they withdrew and 
organized Columbian Lodge, No. 29, December 14, 1843, Mr. Bucknam 
being a charter member. He was elected a Past Grand of the lodge, and 
represented it in the Grand Lodge. In 1845 ^"^1 1846 he was District Dep- 
uty of Crystal Fount, Columbian and Souhegan Lodges. On the reinstitu- 
tion of Columbian Lodge in 1868 he again became a member, and in the 
same year joined Bunker Hill Encampment of Charlestown. 

A. B. VEATOX. 

Alphonso Burton Yeaton, son of John W. and Delana E. (Welch) 
Yeaton, was born in Portland, Maine, September 4, 1849. 

He obtained his education in the public schools of Portland, and after 
going nearly through the High School he went to Portsmouth, N. H., and 
was an apprentice there for three years in the tin-plate and sheet-iron working 
trade. 

After working for a year at his trade in Boston he went back to Portland 
and was employed by the Portland Packing Co. for two years and for a year 
later worked at canning lobsters on the coast of Nova Scotia. 

He then returned to Portland and after working two years at his trade he 
formed a partnership with his father in the wholesale fish business, the firm 
being J. \V. Yeaton & Son. 

After doing business about seven years they sold out and the son worked 
for a year at farming in Eliot, Me., and at his trade in Boston for a year, and 
in 1879 came to Stoneham. 

He went into the employ of F. H. Richardson in the store on Main street 
and on Mr. Richardson's death rbout a year later he bought out the business 
and has continued it at the same stand ever since, conducting a successful 
J)usiness. 

Mr. Yeaton was married in I'ortland. Me., October, 1873, to Miss Mary 
B. Weston, of that city. They have had one child, Mary F., who is still 
living. 

Mr. Yeaton is a member of the L'nitarian Church and of Flighland Council, 
No. 36, O. U. A. M. 



326 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM C. NASH. 

William Clemson Nash, son of Jesse and .Mary (Clemson) Xash, was born 
in Birmingham, England, September i8, 1S51. 

When about two and one half years of age his parents came to America 
and settled at East Woburn, Mass., and during his ninth year they removed 
to Stoneham. where he has since resided most of the time. 

He attended the primary school at Woburn and the higher grades at 
Stoneham up to the third year in the High School. Following this he 




WILLIAM C. NASH. 

attended the New Hampton, N. H., Academy for a year and Bryant & 
Stratton's Commercial College in Boston for about six months, earning his 
own living and paying his tuition in the two last named institutions by work- 
ing in the shoe factory of John Hill & Co., during vacation. 

After leaving Bryant & Stratton"s College he went into the employ of F. 
S. Hill & Co., as Assistant Superintendent, where he remained five or six 
years until the firm gave up business. 

For four or five years after this he was mechanical expert for the McKay 
Sewing Machine Co., on their sewing, heeling, and lasting machines. 



RIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 327 

In 1884 he went into the shoe manufacturing business with his brother in 
the FitzGerald Building, on Hancock Street, tlie firm being W. C. Nash & 
Co. 

After doing business there for about four years they removed to New York 
State, where they dissolved partnership in about a year and the subject of this 
sketch returned to Stoneham in the spring of 1890. 

Since his return he has held the position of managing agent of Middlesex 
Boot & Shoe Companv, doing business on Emerson Street. 

Mr. Nash was married in Stoneham, November 9, 1872, on the day of the 
great Bostonfire, to Miss Emma J. Wardwell, of Stoneham. Two chiWren, 
both living, have been the fruit of their union, viz : Ernest Frederick and 
Alice Augusta. 

Mr. Nash is a member of King Cyrus Lodge, F. & A. M. and is an attend- 
ant at the Unitarian Church. 

DR. D. D. PEABODY. 

Dr. Daniel Dexter Pcabody, dentist, was born in Danvers, Mass., October 
17, 1846, and is the son of Daniel and Sarah S. (Clarke) Peabody. 

He acquired his education in the district schools of Danvers, Middleton 
and North Reading, in the Grammar School at Woburn, and the High 
School at Stoneham, coming to this town in 1862. He worked in the shoe 
factories here when out of school. 

While attending the High School he enlisted in July, 1864, for 100 days 
in Co. K, Fifth Mass. Vol. Infantry, and served in Maryland and Virginia. 
On his discharge at the expiration of service he re-enlisted as a private in Co. 
A, 15th U. S. Infantry, and served in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. 

After about eight months service he was promoted to hospital steward, U. 
S. A,, and held that position until discharged at Santa Fe., New Mexico, in 
April, 1868. In 1867-68 he served under Hancock and Custer in the frontier 
troubles with the Indians. 

On his discharge he returned to Stoneham and began the study of dentis- 
try with Dr. A. W. Tenney, with whom he remained about two years. 
While with Dr. Tenney he took a partial course at the Harvard Dental 
School. 

In the summer of 1870 he commenced practise in Francestown, N. H., 
where he remained about two years, then in Lake Village, N. H., for a year, 
and then removed to Sherman, N. Y., where he practised seven years. 

While in Sherman he was a member of the Eighth District Dental Society, 
and for four years was a delegate to the New York State Dental Society. 

In July, 1880, he returned to Stoneham and went into partnership with 
Dr. Tenney, with whom he was associated five years, at the end of which 
time he opened an office on his own account, and has his present office in 
Dr. Cowdrey's building. Central Scjuare. 



328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Dr. Peabody was married in Stoughtoii, Mass., April 25, 1872, to Miss 
Nellie A. Smiley, of Stoughton, but formerly of Stoneham. They have no 
children. 

Dr. Peabody was raised in Olive Lodge, No. 575, F. & A. M., of Sher- 
man, N. Y., and was transferred to King Cyrus Lodge, of which he was 
Chaplain for four years. He was a charter member of Fells Lodge, No. 63, 
A. O. U. W., and was made its lirst Past Master Workman, and in si.\ 
months after was elected Receiver, which position he has continued to hold 
to the present time. He has also been Deputy of Mishawum Lodge, No. 61, 
of Woburn, for three years. In 1879 he introduced the Equitable Aid Union 
into Massachusetts and has been Deputy Supreme President for Massachu- 
setts ever since. He is a charter member of J. P. Gould Post j^, G. A. R. 

He has been a member of the Congregational Church, of Stoneham, since 
1868 and was Superintendent of the Sabbath School from 18S2 to 1887. 

He is also a member of the New England and ALissachusetts Dental 
Societies, the Board of Trade, and of the Stoneham Y". M. C. A., ot which 
he was the first treasurer, and has been a director and \'ice President. 

He resides on Wright Street. 

MICHAEL H. FITZGERALD. 

Michael Henry FitzGerald, leather manufacturer, was born in Ireland, 
April 2, 1844, and is the son of Michael and Margaret (FitzGerald) Fitz- 
Gerald. 

His parents came to America with their family in 1S4.9 and took up their 
residence in Winchester, Mass., in the schools of which town the subject of 
this sketch was educated. 

After attending two years in the High School he gave up and went to work 
for Shepard & Perry to learn the business of a tanner and currier. He served 
an apprenticeship of three years and six months with this firm, the last six 
months being in the office and salesroom in Boston. 

Business and wages being good in currying shops at that time he concluded 
he could earn more at the table so went back to the shop for two years in 
Winchester, and afterwards in Woburn, until Shepard & Perry associated with 
Alex. Moseley and Edward H. Dunn and the large factory at Winchester was 
built, Mr. Shepard and Mr. Perry planning the building and afterwards doing 
the currying, although the firm was called Moseley & Dunn. 

Mr. FitzGerald went to work for this firm and shaved the first side of 
leather that was shaved in the new factory. lie remained there until 1868, 
when he went to Sandy Creek, N. Y., with John H. Pierce and they bought 
the Root & Earl tannery. Then James and Andrew Pierce and Andrew N. 
Shepard joined with them and the firm was called A. N. Shepard & Co. 
After Moseley & Dunn dissolved partnership at Winchester Mr. Dunn came 
into the firm and the name was changed to Shepard, Dunn i!\: Co. 



lUOCiKAl'llICAL SKETCHES 329 

In 1871 William I', and Samuel Tierce, then c'oing business in Woburn, 
sold out to James Skinner & Co. and went to Sandy Creek and bought into 
the firm of Shepard, Dunn & Co., when Mr. FitzCierald withdrew and re- 
turned to Winchester. 

Soon after he formed a partnership with Franklin W. Perry and Sylvester 
Cutler under the name of Perry, Cutler & Co. and they did business at Wil- 
mington. He remained in this firm until the Boston fire in 1872 and the 
panic in 1873 caused the firm to dissolve, and Mr. FitzGerald came to Stone- 
ham in 1873 'i"'^ bought the Captain Hurd factory on Hancock Street, 

This he remodeled and continued the manufacture of grain and split leather 
there until the factory was destroyed by fire in August, 1880. In the same 
fall he built what he now calls factory No. i of his collection of large facto- 
ries on the same street and resumed the manufacture of leather. 

In 1 88 1 he built factory No. 2 to accommodate F. W. B. Worthen, Vin- 
ton & Jenkins and L. P. Benton, all shoe manutacturers, and they took 
leases for five years of diiferent rooms as wanted. 

In 1882 he built factory No. 4 for \'intGn& Jenkins, they having outgrown 
their quarters in factory No. 2, and Burley & Usher took Vinton & Jenkins' 
rooms. 

In the meantime he had Iniilt factory No. 3 and in 1882 he rcmoceled this 
for John Campbell who occupied it lor a time and it was then taken by Nash 
Brothers who remained there until they went to New York State. It is now 
occupied b} C. K. White on the lower floor and by Stackpole & Daniels on 
the upper floor. 

Factory No. 4 is now rented to John M. Noyes on the lower floor, who 
also occupies the whole of factory No. 5, built in 1890. H. G. Wallace & 
Son occupy the second floor of factory No. 4, and Green & Jones Brothers 
occupy the two upper floors and also one room in factory No. i, which Mr. 
FitzGerald remodeled in 1889. 

At that time he gave up the manufacture of leather and in August of that 
year went to Chicago to represent the firm of E. H. Dewson & Son. He 
remained there until the January following and then returned and went into 
the factory of Theodore Boutelle, at Woburn, who finished leather for him. 
He is now in the factory of F. Chandler Parker, who is finishing for him. 

In addition to the tenants named heretofore Mr. FitzGerald has in his large 
factories on Hancock Street the following: Factory No. i, first floor, S. W. 
Chamberlin, machinist ; part of second floor, Luther Martin, shoe manufac- 
turer; upper floor and also fourth floor of factory No. 2, R. E. Kinsley, shoe 
manufacturer; factory No. 2, part ot basement, Mrs. Sarah A. Marston, 
manufacturer of sole leather tips ; third and fifth floors, J. H. Dempsey ; 
second floor is still occupied by F. W. B. Worthen; David Tibbetts, sewing 
and nailing, and L. C. Shaw, shoe manufacturer, also occupy portions of 
factory No. 2. 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL . SKETCHES. 

Mr. FitzGerald was married in Salem, Mass., October 21, 1873, to Miss 
Christina A. Gannon, of that city, and one daughter, Ida M. G., now living, 
has been born to them. 

Mr. FitzGerald has never joined a fraternal society nor held public office. 
He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. 

WESLEY C. HOLDSWORTH. 

Wesley Clarke Holdsworth, son of Thomas and Lucy (Titus) Holdsworth, 
was born in Digby, Nova Scotia, December 15, 1841. 

He attended the common schools of Digby and afterwards was apprenticed 
to a carpenter in Hillsburgh to learn the trade which he did. He worked at 
this trade in Nova Scotia and in and about Boston for sixteen years, when, 
becoming tired of carpentering he went to Frederickton, New Brunswick, to 
learn the business of manufacturing confectionery with his brother-in-law. 

After acquiring a knowledge of the business he went to Newcastle, N. B., 
and manufactured on his own account, having stores there and at Chatham. 

He remained there three years when, in 1880, he came to Stoneham and 
opened a confectionery store and manufactory in his present quarters, where 
he has since remained and done a very successful business. About three 
years ago he opened a store in Woburn. 

Mr. Holdsworth was married in Yarmouth, Me., August 31, 1865, to Miss 
Harrie P. Humphrey, a native of that town. 

He was made a Mason in Northumberland Lodge, F. and A. M., while 
residing in Newcastle, N. B., and is a member of Stoneham Lodge, K. of H. 

THOMAS F. BURTT. 

Thomas Ford Burtt, watchmaker and jeweller, was born in Wilmington, 
Mass., February 8, 1831, and is the son of Thomas and Eunice (Upton) 
Burtt. 

His early schooling was obtained in the district school in his native town 
and afterwards in the schools of Reading to which town his parents removed. 

L'pon leaving school, at the age of between fourteen and fifteen years, he 
went to work for his uncle, the well-known Daniel Pratt, to learn the trade 
of a clock-maker, and remained with him for six years. 

He then went into the dry goods store of Samuel Nichols, his father-in- 
law, and was employed there until 1S55, when he came to Stoneham and was 
engaged in the watch-making and jewelry business on Main Street for two 
years, and for two years afterwards was in the same business in Danvers, 
Mass. 

In i860 he removed to Portsmouth, N. H., where he was in the jewelry 
business until 1872, having a fine patronage during and after the war. 

On giving up at Portsmouth he went into the employ of the American 
Watch Co., at Waltham, having charge of the general jobbing of watches 



iUOGRAI'IilCAL SKETCHES. 



331 



returned for some fauli to be put in order. He worked tliere and in the fin- 
ishing department tor several vears, earning large wages, but overwork injured 
his health and he was obliged to give up and recuperate. 

After six months he went to Lvnnfield, Mass., where he lived two years 
and travelled, keeping out of doors for his healtii. After recovering he came 
to Stoneham again in SciJtember. 1879. and opened a jewelry and watch re- 
pairing store on Central Street, opi)osite the Central House, where he re- 
mained for about six \ears when he took a lease of a building on the 




TIlOiMAS F. BUKTT. 

corner of Central and Emerson Streets, erected for him by Charles Emerson. 
On tlie expiration of his lease he removed to his present store in the Whittier 
Building, September 10, 1 88 7. ^tl 

In March, 1890, he sold his business on account of ill health, to his son, 
Lewis Chester Burtt, who afterwards sold to Joseph Durst. Since that time 
he has done something at making old-fashioned hall clocks until a short time 
ago, when he bought out his former business of Mr. Durst and is now back 
at the old stand. 

Mr. Burtt was married in Reading, Mass., May 3. 1852, to Miss Marion 
A. Nichols, of that town. They have had seven children, five of whom are 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

living, viz: Marion Gertrude, widow of Joseph H. Cheever, of Waltham, 
Walter Everett, Minnie Estelle, wife of Linn^us C. Prescott, of Stoneham, 
Thomas Fred and Lewis Chester. AM of the three ?ons are familiar with 
clock and watchmaking, and Mr. Ijurtt himself stards in the front rank in 
his traele. 

A wonderful piece of mechanism which Mr. Eurtt has constructed and 
which is now in his possession is a large musical clock v hich he has worked 
on at odd times for more than three years. There is only one other like it 
in this country. It is ingeniously eontrivtd .^o that in addition to giving the 
time the dial also shows the day of the month and the changes of the moon, 
giving all its phases, and the works are arranged so that at a quarter past the 
hour a chime of bells is struck, at half past -.he hour two chimes are sounded 
and the inecming hcur is stiuek en a Inge bell, at three Cjuarters past the 
hour three ehimes with a el:rge rie ;evic(d, ct ere minute before the hcur 
a tune is playeel and the h.cur is then told cfi en the large bell. The clock 
contains twelve metal bells and nineteen striking hammers and is valued at 
$600 to $700. It stands nine feet high. 

Mr. Burtt is a number of Fi.'^eataCiua Loe'ge, No. 6. I. O. O. F., of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., is a Past High Priest of Columbian Encampment, I. O. O. F., 
of Stoneham, a number of Highland Council, No. 36, O. U. A. M., being 
Senior Councillor on the third degree stall", is a member of Forest Union, 
No 686, Equitable Aid P'nion, and was a charter member of Helping Hand 
Temple of Honor, No. 21. 

He is also a member of the Congregational Church, and while residing in 
Portsmouth, N. H., he was for three years a member of the Common Coun- 
cil of that city. 

*HAZEN WHITCHER. 

Hazen Whitcher, retired hardware dealer, was born in Warren, N. H., 
May 21, 18 1 7, and is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Richardson) Whitcher. 

He attended the common schools of his native town and when a young 
man removed to Benton, N. H., wheie he worked at tarming and carpentry 
for a number of years. 

In 1846 he came to Stoneham and started for himself as a carpenter and 
builder and in following }ears was one of the principal builders and erected 
many buildings now standing in the town. 

About 1848 he added undertaking to his business and hired quarters in 
the basement of the Universalist Cluirch, located on the site of the present 
Unitarian Church. 

During these early years he was appointed Deputy Sherift' and served four 
years. He also served on the police Ibrce for sixteen years and during more 
than half this time was Chief. He was for many years the popular janitor of 
the Town Hall and was se.xton of the Universalist Church from its organiza- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



333 



tion until the society sold their edifice in 1869, after which, from 1869 until 
the spring of 1891, he was sexton of the Unitarian Church. 

Previous to 1870 Mr. Whitcher'had done some business at making picture 
frames and repairing Init at that time his son-in-law. Col. O. H. Marston, 
succeeded to that business and in September, 1871, Mr. Whitcher opened a 
hardware store where T. F. Burtt is now located and Col. Marston removed 
his business there also. In 1S76 Mr. Whitcher removed his stock and trade 
to the Dow Building where he did quite an extensive business. About five 
years ago he retired from active business and turned it over to Col. Marston. 




HAZEN WHITCHER. 



During the late years of his life he has dealt considerably in real estate, 
owning quite a number of houses and other buildings in Woljurn and Stone- 
ham . 

Mr. Whitcher was married in Iknton, N. H., , to Miss 

Sally Tyler, of that place, and three children have been born to them, one 
of whom, Sarah R., wife of Col. O. H. Marston, is living. 

Mr. Whitcher is a Universalist by faith and attended that church as long 
as the society was in existence since which he has attended the Unitarian 
Church. 



334 



I'.KUiKAPIIirAL SKETCHES. 



He is a charter member of Columbian Lodge, I. O O. F., and also a 
charter member of Crystal Cem Lodge. L O. G. T. 

His residence is on ronieworth Street. 

* Mr. W'hitcher died .May 14, 1S91, while the port'on of this work giving 
sketches of prominent living men was in preparation. 

.vi.iuox J. N()Wi:i.i,. 

Albion Jason Xowell, photographer, was born in Ur.n^or, .Maine, on the 
28th day of May, 1866, and is the son of (uanville A. and .Susan""Ann 
(Alley) Nowell. 




.•VLHldN 1. XOWELL. 

When he was three years of age his father diet!, and his mother removed 
with her lamily to Mount Desert, where she remained lor a year or more, and 
then came to Massachusetts and settlec' in Lawrence.' 

At this time the subject of this sketch was between four and five years of 
age. What general education he acquired in his earl\- da\s was obtained in 
the public schools of Lawrence in the various grades up to the High School. 

His artistic talent developed itself when he was quite young, and an early 
desire to cultivate it possessed him, which continually became stronger. His 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 335 

school studies were a drudgery to him, and after graduating from the Gram- 
mar School at the age of between fourteen and fifteen, he determined to 
learn the profession he has since followed. 

He served an apprenticeshij) of a year and a half with A. I>. Hamor, of 
Lawrence, at that time considered one of the finest artists in his line in that 
city, and then went to Boston, where he secured a situation with A. N. 
Hardy, one of the most skilful photographers in that city, whose studio is 
located at No. 493 Washington street. 

There he remained nearly five years, and between two and three years of 
this time was in charge of the re-touching department of the establishment. 

It can thus be readily observed that his professional education has been 
acquired under superior advantages and competent instructors, and he is 
admirably fitted for what he has adopted as his life work. Added to this he 
possesses a natural mechanical ingenuity which he inherits from his father, 
who was considered very skilful at his trade. Tliis is of inestimable value to 
him in many departments of the practical work of his profession. 

Mr. Nowell gave up his position with A. N. Hardy and came to Stoneham 
October i, 1888. Purchasing the business of J. E. Edgccomb, he immedi- 
ately commenced to carry it on under his own name, and has continued since 
in the same studio that Mr. Edgecomb had previously occupied. 

He has the field all to himself, and the excellent quality of his work has 
gained him an ever increasing patronage. In addition to photography he is 
now doing considerable at French pastel work, at which he is very success- 
ful. His studio and operating rooms are located on Main street, near 
Common. 

Mr. Nowell is unmarried. He is connected with the Stoneham Fire De- 
partment as a member of Resolute Hook and Ladder Company, No. i ; is a 
Corporal in Company H, Sixth Regiment, Mass. Vol. Militia: is a member 
of Miles Standish Colony, No, 7, United Order of Pilgrim Fathers: also of 
Garnet Lodge, Order of the Solid Rock, and of Wamscott Tribe. No. 39, 
Improved Order of Red Men. 

The photographs from which a large majority of the portraits in this work 
were copied were made by Mr. Nowell, also the photographs of all of the 
residences, public buildings, business blocks and churches, with a very few 
exceptions. 

ODD-FELLOWSHIP IN STONEHAM. 

The history of Odd Fellowship in Stoneham is worthy of more extended 
mention than the plan of this work will allow, in that it comprises in the 
different branches of the order many of the leading men and women in the 
community. 

Few towns can boast of so great an interest in this order as is shown by 
the people of Stoneham, as is demonstrated by the large membership and the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 337 

•character of the memljcrs comprised within the Cohimbiaii LcidL^e, Columbian 
Encampment, Daughters of Rebekah and Canton Fells. An outline sketch 
of the origin and growth of this, by far the largest fraternal order in town, 
will be of much interest as a matter of record. 

COLUMBIAN LOIJGE, XO. 29. 

Columbian Lodge, No. 29, I. O. O. F.. was an outcome of Crystal Fount 
Lodge, No. 9, of Woburn, Mass.. and was instituted December 14, 1843. 
Several membe:-s of Crystal Fount Lodge resided in Stoneham and enough 
more joined in 1843 *^o warrant the forming of a lodge in their own town, 
and a charter was consequently applied for from the Grand Lodge. 

The charter members were Alfred J. Rhoades, Asaph Langley, Lyman 
Dike, Samuel Hall, Dexter Bucknam, William Bryant, Jr., Hollis N. Wveth, 
all of whom withdrew from Crystal Fount Lodge, and Joseph B. Kittredge, 
from Mechanics' Lodge, No. 11, of Lowell, Mass. 

The lodge was instituted in a hall on the upper floor of Brown Sweetser's 
building, the building in which Holden Brothers' store is now located. Here 
the meetings were afterwards held until the lodge died out in 185 i or "52. 

From 1868 to 1872 the lodge met in the upper hall in Dow"s Building, 
since which time" they have met in their own hall. 

The first officers of Columbian Lodge elected and installed were Alfred J. 
Rhoades, Noble Grand ; Asaph Langley, Vice Grand : Lvman Dike, Secre- 
tary : Samuel Hall, Treasurer. Mr. Dike and Mr. Hall are now living, July, 
1891. 

The lodge was instituted by officers of the Grand Lodge. E. H. Chapin, 
Grand Master. 

There were eighteen members admitted at the first meeting, including the 
charter members. Dexter Bucknam, being a Past Grand of Crystal Fount 
Lodge, was chosen Past Grand of Columbian Lodge, and was representative 
to the Grand Lodge. 

There are now li\ing of the charter members the following named : Ly- 
man Dike, Samuel Hall, Dexter Bucknam, William Bryant, Hollis N. Wy- 
eth and Joseph B. Kittredge. Dexter Bucknam has been an Odd Fellow 
over forty-nine years — the longest of any brother now living in .Stoneham. 

It was owing to two causes that this lodge went down in 185 i or "52. Pre- 
vious to that time there had been a strong feeling shown by the public against 
secret societies, and the growth of Odd Fellowship was prevented in conse- 
quence, and, again, the fees for initiation and degrees were small, and the 
amount paid for sick benefits was considerable, the result being that the 
treasury- of Columbian Lodge became depleted, and it was forced to suspend 
and surrender its charter and books, as were a number of others. 

Under date of December 24, 1867, a petition was submitted to the Grand 
Lodge at a meeting held February 6, 1868, asking that the charter and 



3^S tUOCKAl'lIU Al Msl". H lli;.S. 

hooks bo ivturnod. and tliat ihc Kulgo nii<iht be iviiislati-d. This petition 
was siiincd bv tlio toUowiin;' t'ornuT im'nil>eis ot" the loiluo. \i/; S\l\aiius 
Sprasiuc. IXixid H. lioiiN. (Irorm' \\". I>iisi'. 1V'\ut lUukiiaiu. William 
Hrvaiit. |r.. IXinicl l,ii'rr\. Joseph li. Kiltred^e. l.\ man 1 )ilv.' ami J . i\.(u'rr\. 
riu' petition was >;rant(.Hl and the KhIi^o roinstiluiotl KelMuaiv 14, iS(>S. 
willi tlie t'ollo\vin>; as cliartcr nicnibois, viz: Cicorgc W. Dike, Lynuui Dike, 
Dexter ruicknani. William Bryant, Jr., Daniel (leny ami Sylvamis Sinai^ue. 

The reinstitution took place in tiie npper h.\ll in Dow's llnildinj;. ami (he 
tollowini^-named tit'teen monibers admitted at the liist meeting: "fMoraee 
Cloodrieh. 'flames i'evton. tjohnl'". Heny. tbenj. W. Jones. I'eiiev M. 
Annis. radill.i I'.eaid. Aithur II. Cowdi'ey. *J. Clinton L'h.ise. (."h.uies C. 
Dike, W'm. 11. l'..istm,\n. |J. Kiland (.iei'iy. .Andrew J. Kimpton. Wm. W. 
Pratt. John F. Spr.ii;ue. W'm. 11. .Spr.i^ne. The tollowin^ were ehosen as 
orticers : (.ieori^e W'. I^ike, Noiile i ir.ind : l.\ni,in Dike. \ iee (ir.uul: Dex- 
ter Rucknam. Secretary; W'illi.im ISiv.uit, ["icisurer. 

Kortv-one members were atlmittetl to the lodge during the \ear 1S68, .uul 
the membersliip has continually increased, until now there are 284 on the 
rolls. There have been just iit't\- Noble Cu'amls since its reinstitution. 
and forty-two members have been taken .iw.iy b\ the haml ot' De.itli. The 
lodge has been steadily prosperous, is we.iltli\ .mil tree hom aebt. .iiul has 
a good t'unti in the treasury. 

The present elective ot'licers ot' the loilge .ire .is t'ollows : N. ("... (.'h.uies 
G. Fall: Wf... D. I'.merson Sprague : Rec. Sec, W. W'.irtl Lhild : I'er. 
Sec., lames A. lones: Treas., L'h.irles lldtlwin : Trustees. Amos llill. 
chairman. Isaac F. Hersam. William F. H.ulley. 

toi.iMin.VN i;nc.\mi'.mi:n r, mk 43. 

Columbian I'.ncampmeut. No. 43. 1. O. (.>. F.. w.is instituted SejUember 
II, 1871, the charter members being brothers who withdrew trom New Eng- 
land Encampment. No. 34, of East Cambritlge. .uul Hunker Hill Encamp- 
ment. No. 5, of Charlestown. all ot'uhom were members of Columbian Lotlgc 
except one. 

Thev were as tollows : (vom Columbi.ui Lodge. Amos Hill. J.uues reyton, 
S. A. Hrxant, Albert J . Meader. Levi Woodbridge. S\lvauus Sprague, W. 
Ward Child. Isaac F. Hers;uii, W. D. Rice, Daniel (.Sorry. John F. Sprague. 
W'illi.im H. Sprague, M. A. Ceorge, Charles Stone. W'm. H. Richardson, 
Charles C. Dike, C'.eorge Jones. Luther White, Archelaus Welch, Henja- 
min W. Jones. Nathan H. Stowe. D. H. Harnos. Jr.. Andrew J. Kimpton. 
J. Clinton Chase, L. C. Dickerson, Hemy Dike. N. C. Ma\o. Heibert C. 
Richardson, Falward T. Whittier, N. S. Thompson, John E. Wiggin ; from 
Crystal Fount Lodge. Woburn, Nathaniel Jenkins. 

♦Dcccused. t Have since been Noble Grands. { Member before reinstitution. 



I'.IOOKAI'IIK AL SKKTCIIKS. 339 

The tirst officers of the rCnoam lament tUuAcd and installed .Se)jtem];er ii, 
1 87 1, were the following: Chief Patriarch, James Peyton; High, Priest, 
Levi VVoodbridge; Senior Warden, Charles C. Dike; Scribe, (ieorge Jones; 
Treasurer, Archelaus Welch : Junior Warden, Albert J. Meader. lirothers 
Peyton, W^elch and Meader are now deceased. 

The Encampment has thriven as well as the other branches of the order, 
and now has a membership of about 130. The following named are the 
present elective officers : Chief Patriarch, George T. Connor ; High Priest, 
Melzar Eaton ; Senior Warden, Wilder C. Moulton : Scribe, W. Ward 
Child: Treasurer, Charles O. Currier: Trustees, Luther White, Charles 
Stoiie and Frank B. Jenkins. 

One of the most important events in the history of the Encampment, which 
was also of much interest to the people of the town, was the visit of Prescott 
and Cocheco Encampments of Dover, N. H., September 6, 1883. A large 
tent was raised on the lot Ijetween the Town Hall and High School, where a 
banquet was .served and the visitors entertained. It was made a red letter 
day in every respect. 

EVERGREEN LOfJOE, NO. I9, D. OF R. 

Evergreen Lodge, No. 19, Degree of Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted 
October 16, 1872, in L O. O. F. Hall, in Dow's Building. 

It started with thirty-two charter members who.se names were as follows : 
Sarah F. Meader, Sarah A. Gerry, Emily Peyton, Mary S. Hill, Cinderella 
Dow, Albert J. Meader, Andrew J. Dow, Amos Hill, Olive C. Chick, Mary 

0. Hersam, Delia Eastman, Orin C. Eastman, Charles S. Worthen, Benja- 
min Hibbard, Harriet A. Wiley, Joseph E. Wiley, S. E. Best, Mary A. 
Berry, Wm. H. Sprague, Maria E. Jones, E. Cloutman, Mary Cloutman, 
James Peyton, H. E. Austin, Eliza E. Annis, Louisa A. Hunt, N. S. 
Thomp.son, F. B. Thompj.son, G. W. Hunt, W. H. Jones, Deborah R. 
Sprague, Susan Hibbard. 

The first elective officers chosen and installed were : Orin C. Eastman, 
Noble Grand : Sarah F. Meader, Vice Grand : Sarah A. Gerry, Recording 
Secretary; Emily Peyton, Financial Secretary; Mary S. Hill, Treasurer. 

This lodge has rapidly increased in membership until the register now 
shows 231 members in good standing, and it is one of the largest and most 
active lodges in the State. 

The present elective officers are as follows: Noble Grand, Mary J. Hun- 
toon: Vice Grand, Louise C. Whittier; Recording Secretary, Alma 
Johonnot : Financial Secretary, Marion A. Burtt ; Treasurer, Nellie C. 
Littlehale : Trustees, Jennie Eastman, Lizzie Ireland and A. Osborn Sprague. 

CANTON FELLS, NO. 26, P. -M. 

Canton Fells. No. 26, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., was instituted in 

1. O. O. F. Hall, Odd Fellows' Building, March i, 1886. 



34° BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

The following were the charter meiiibers : Thomas S. Ireland, James A. 
Jones, Samuel C. Batchelder, Amos Hill, Frank H. Messer^ Roland H. 
Robbins. Charles H. Richardson, Willie P. Hill, W. Ward Child, Myron 
J. Ferren, John F. Jones, Charles F. Brown, Will H White, A. Osborn 
Sprague, Edwin F. Jones. P. T. Frain, Joseph E. Wiley, Charles O. Cur- 
rier, Isaac F. Hersam, George A. Osgood, William H. Sprague, Frank L. 
Whittier, Herbert F. Sheldon, Fred J. Nash, Leonard P. Benton, Milton 
Messer, William F. Gordon, Richard W. Barnstead, Joseph H. Marcv, 
Charles B. Carlin, D. Emerson Sprague. 

The tirst officers were: Captain, Thomas S. Ireland, Commandant; 
Lieutenant, James A. Jones; Ensign, Samuel C. Batchelder; Clerk, W. 
Ward Child ; Accountant, A. Osborn Sprague. 

The present officers are : Captain, Samuel C. Batchelder, Commandant ; 
Lieutenant, Charles F. Brown; Ensign, Raymond R. Gilman ; Clerk, Charles 
O. Currier; Accountant, A. Osborn Sprague. 

The Canton now contains forty-two members. 

STOXEHAM ODD FELLOWS' HALL ASSOCIATION. 

The Stoneham Odd Fellows' Hall Association was incorporated March 19, 
1872, by B. F. Richardson, Amos Hill, William B. Stevens, George W. 
Dike. Padilla Beard and Benjamin Hibbard. 

B. Frank Richardson was elected the iirst President; Amos Hill, clerk, 
and .Malachi Richardson, treasurer. 

In May, 1878, the present Odd Fellows' building was bought of Isaac 
F. Hersam, and about the first of June the hall w^as dedicated for the pur- 
poses of the order, with elaborate ceremonies. Since that time all the 
branches of the I. O. O. F. in Stoneham have held their meetings there. 

The present officers of the Odd Fellows' Hall Association are : Amos 
Hill, President; A. Osborn Sprague, Clerk and Treasurer; and a board of 
thirteen Directors. 

p. G. R. AMOS HILL. 

The most prominent Odd Fellow in Stoneham, who has been greatly 
honored bv the order and in whom the order has been honored in return, is 
Amos Hill. 

He was admitted a member of Columbian Lodge March 27, 1868, was a 
charter member of Columbian Encampment and Evergreen Lodge, D. of R., 
a charter member of Canton Fells, and one of the incorporators of the Odd 
Fellows" Hall Association, which he was the most active in organizing, was 
ts first Clerk and is now President. 

He is a Past Grand of the Lodge, P. H. P. of the Encampment, was Grand 
Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Massachusetts in 1875 ^'^d Grand 
Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1876-77* 



BIOGRArUICAL SKETCHES. 34I 



A. W. ARNOLD. 



Artenias Wavland Arnold, grocer and provision dealer, is the son of Arte- 
mas and Hannah C. (Spaulding) Arnold, and was born in Moriah. N. Y., 
December 27, 1827. 

In his early years he lived with his parents in several places in \'ermon 
and New Hampshire, and obtained his education in the common schools o 
these various communities. 

After leaving school he learned the trade of a shoemaker in Wilmot. X.H., 
and worked there and in other towns at his trade, following it up after he 
came to Stoneham in September, 1852, until he was compelled to give it up 
on account of ill health and adopt some business which would permit of his 
being in the open air as much as possible. 

His first venture was in starting out with a horse and wagon selling fruit 
and vegetables from house to house. He soon added groceries, and in this 
humble manner was commenced the foundation of a business which has 
grown to good proportions. 

He first opened a store in a building situated on what is now a portion of 
the lawn in front of the residence of Arad Gerry. This building has since 
been destroyed by fire, some vears after Mr. Arnold removed from it. 
. After doing business there for some time, he formed a copartnership with 
George Gould, and they erected the building on Main street now occupied 
by Joseph Theobald, and carried on the grocery business in that store for 
about three years, when they dissolved and sold the building. 

Mr. Arnold then started in business alone in the store occupied by S. G. 
Chauncev, and was there between thirteen and fourteen years. In February, 
1879, he removed to his present store in Odd Fellows" Building, where he 
has since remained. 

Mr. Arnold has the distinction not only of being the oldest grocer in 
Stoneham but the longest in trade of any of the town's merchants, and has 
in a large degree shared the confidence of his fellow townsmen. Five or 
six years ago he added meat and provisions to his stock in trade, but pre- 
vious to that time it had consisted of groceries exclusively. 

Mr. Arnold has been three times married: first, in New London. X. H., 
January 31, 1850, to Miss Helen Theresa Sanborn, of Swanton, \'t. : sec- 
ond, in Bethlehem, N. H., in April, 1852, to Miss Mary Susan Jones, o 
that village: third, in Lawrence, Mass., November 29, 1854, to Miss Emma 
Johnson, of that city. He has one son living, the fruit of the second union, 
Clarence W., born in Stoneham. 

Mr. Arnold is a member of the L^nitarian Church and of Columbian Lodge, 
I. O. O. F., and was formerly a member of Columbian Encampment, bu 
withdrew about two vears ago. 



342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

THOMAS R. SVMMES. 

Thomas Russell SymiTies, baker, son of Thomas R. and Harriet (Edey) 
Symmes, was born in Aylmer, Province of Quebec, October 15, 1849. 

After receiving his education in the common schools of his native town he 
came to Massachusetts for occupation in 1S66, when 17 years of age. 

He worked at the business of a baker in several different towns, the last 
place before coming to Stoneham being in Medford. 

He came here in 18S0 and purchased the bakery business of J. W. Swint, 
Avhich he has continued to conduct at the same stand successfully to the 
present time, giving so great satisfaction to his patrons that his trade has 
constantly increased, until now he keeps three wagons almost constantly 
upon the road disposing of his product, besides >\-hat is sold at the store on 
Main street. 

i\Ir. Symmes was married in Stoneham November 26, 1885, to Miss Emma 
Duncan, of Delhousie, N. B. They have two children, Thomas Russell and 
Albert LcRoy. 

Mr. Symmes is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F. of this town, 
and an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

EXGIXEERS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The Board of Engineers of the Fire Department is a most efficient Ijody 
of men, who work in harmony and with zeal for the good of the department 
and the town. The board has been constituted as at prv:s3nt since the 
spring of 1887 and is as follows: Orin A. Dodge, Chief; George E. Stur- 
tevant, First Assistant; John A. LaClair, Second Assistant and Clerk. 

ORIX A. DODGE. 

Orin A. Dodge, Chief Engineer, son of Moses G. and Elizabeth B. 
(Bryant) Dodge, was born in Stoneham July 25. 1841, and has always lived 
here e.xcept during three years and tour months when he was in the service 
of his country as a sharpshooter. He has followed the trade of a shoemaker. 

His father was a member of the tire department for many }ears before the 
son joined, and lor some years after the father and son served together. 

Chief Engineer Dodge first joined the department in 1854, serving as a 
torch bearer in the Gen. Worth Engine Co. He progressed from this to 
suction hoseman, then to leading hoseman, to first assistant in 1872, and 
finally to foreman of the company in 1873, serving in that capacity for five 
years. 

In May, 1878, he was appointed on the Board of Engineers by the Select- 
men and has been on the board most of the time since. He was Chief 
Engineer in 1882-83 and was again appointed in 1887 and has served to the 
present time. As he has accepted a position with his brother in Lynn and 
will take up his residence there, he will resign as Chief Engineer on August 
I, much to the regret of the -Selectmen and citizens. 



344 r.IOGKAl'lllCAI. SKKTCHES. 



GEORGE E. STURTEVANT. 



George E. Stuiievant, tlie senior assistant engineer, was horn in Stone- 
ham, Sept. 6. 1S40. and is the son of Daniel C and Laura ("■. Stuitexant 
He has always resided in Stoneham anc' has alwavs tollowed llie tratle ot" a 
shoemaker. 

He has been a tirenian tor twenty-nine years eontiniunisly, having com- 
menced as a torch-bearer in the Clen. \\'orth Engine Co. in 1S62. when six- 
teen vears of age. He was afterwards a suction hoseman and then leading 
hoseman, and for a year was foreman of the company. gi\'ing' up that posi- 
tion to accept that of steward of the company, which position he held for 
eight years. He was with this company until it disbanded, at'ter the intro- 
duction of water into the town in 1S83. and then became a member oi Cien- 
Worth Hose L"o.. ot which he was a member until appointed t)n the lioard 
of Ergineers by the Selectmen in 1887. and has continued im the T.oard to 
the present time. 

JCMIN A. LACLAIK. 

John A. LaClair, the junior assistant engineer and clerk of the board, is 
also a native of and has always lived in Stoneham. where he was born No- 
vember 24. 1855. and, like his associates, has always been a shoemaker. He 
is the son of John E. and .Mary L. LaClair. 

He has been connected with the Stoneham Fire Department continuously 
for over twenty years, having first joined the Gen. Worth Engine Co. in 
j\Lirch, 1 87 1, beginning as a torch-bearer and progressing from that to suc- 
tion hoseman and then to leading hoseman and second assistant I'orenian, 
which position he held for a year. He was also clerk tor one vear and treas- 
urer. 

He was a member of this company until it ilisbanded. and then became a 
member of Gen. Worth Hose Co., with which he run until appointed by the 
Selectmen in 1SS7 as one of the lioard of Engineers. He was chosen clerk 
of the board on its organization in that year, and has held the position ever 
since. 



ISRtnV.N SWKKTSKR. 

Brown Sweetser was born in South Reading, now \\akefield. Mass. Sept. 
15, 1803, his parents being jNIoses and Ruth (Brown) Sweetser. 

While a young boy he resided tor a tew years in Stoneham. but returned 
to Wakefield where he lived until twenty-one when he returned to Stoneiiam 
where he resided until his death December 14. 1879. 

His education was obtained in the district schools of the t\\o towns. He 
was engaged with his brother Warren in the grocery business for a few years, 
and afterwards with the same brother in the manufacture of razor strops. 



lilOOKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



345 



In 1849 he formed a partnership in the meal and provision business with 
Joseph Buck and opened the first market in Stoneham in the store now occu- 
pied by Holden Bros. He remained in the business with Mr. Buck and af- 
terwards with Joseph B. Kittredge and then with his son Francis Kittredge 
Sweetser until 1865 when his son died. He then formed a partnership with 
Charles Buck which continued until 1869 when he retired from business. 
During his business career he dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling 
lots every year, and with a few exceptions between 1835 ^"^ 1870 he made^a.s^ 
many conveyances as any citizen then in active business. 




UKOWX SWEETSEK. 



Mr. Sweetser was married in July, 1835. to Eliza Kittredge, a daughter of 
Dr. Kittredge of Woburn. They had two children. Eliza M., the elder, 
who was married to Charles Brown, who died in Chicago in 1864, and Fran- 
cis Kittredge, who also died in the same year. Mr. .Sweetser died December 
14, 1879, leaving a widow, Eliza, and his daughter, Mrs. Brown, who had 
made her home with him since her husband's death, and a grandson, Francis 
Kittredge Sweetser. a child of his son Francis, and who is now a practising 
lawyer in the town. 



34^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Mr. Sweetser was a citizen who took a deep interest in town atitairs and 
was always ready to aid deserving people or give a helping hand to public 
enterprise. He was one of the number who subscribed one hundred dollars 
each to purchase the land now known as Central Square which they gave to 
the town, and many a poor family when he was in the provision business, and 
even afterwards was surprised to receive a well-filled basket of provisions. 
He was a member of the early Odd Fellows" lodge in Stoneham,^and an at- 
tendant of the Congresationalist Church. 



CENSUSES OF POPULATION. 

The censuses of population in Stoneham have been as follows, the first 
being taken in 1765, viz : 1765 — 340: 1776 — 319; 1790 — 381; 1800— 
380; i8ro — 467; 1820 — 615: 1830 — 732: 1840 — 1017; 1850 — 2085; 
1855 — 2518; i860 — 3206; 1865 — 3298; 1870 — 4513; 1875 — 4984; 
1880 — 4890; 1885 — 5659; 1890 — 6155. 



^ i>=< mm^> 



THE WORK. 

This volume has been wholly compiled and printed in the office of F. L. 
& \V. E. Whittier, Publishers. Valuable assistance has been rendered by 
Professor Elmore A. Pierce of Woburn, who has written most of the bio- 
graphical sketches of prominent living men and historical sketches of the 
institutions of Stoneham. 

The photographs from which most of the engravings were made^were^taken 
by Albion J. Nowell, Stoneham. The photo-engravings of ^illustrations 
and portraits were made by the Aldine Company, Boston. 




>3 



y? c^j 



> 

Id 
H 

H 
O 

c 







Index to Contents, 



General History of Stoneham, by William B. Stevens, Esq., Pages 9 to 

105 inclusive. 
Biographical Sketches of Pioneers and Prominent Men (Deceased). Pages 

1 10 to 142 inclusive. 
Stoneham of To-Day, Descriptive and General Sketch, Institutions. &c., 

Pages 144 to 191 inclusive. 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent Living Men. Pages 192 to 344. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF IXSTITCTIOXS, ETC. 



Almshouse .... 
Banks — Stoneham Co-operative 

— Stoneham Five Cents Savings 
— Stoneham National 
Board of Trade, Stoneham 
Cemeteries .... 
Churches of Stoneham 
Churches — Baptist 

— Catholic, St. Patrick's 

— Methodist Episcopal 

— Unitarian . 
Fire Department 

Industries .... 
Mercantile Business and .Mechanical Trades 
Military Company 

Newspapers .... 
Odd-Fellowship in Stoneham . 
Police Force 
Professions, The 
Public Library 
Schools of Stoneham . 
Schools and Teachers, list of, 1890-91 
Shoe Manufacturers ; Table showing capacity 

number employed, etc. 
Societies and Clubs 
Town Hall and Armory 
Whittier, F. L. & W. E., Publishers 
Y. M. C. A. and Ladies" Auxiliary 



nd output of factories 



Page 
167 
162 
161 

163 
164 
169 

147 
150 
150 
147 
147 
177 
182 
190 
176 
170 

335 

275 
190 

157 
152 

154 

184-5 
188 

155 
282 
150 



INDEX TO CCNTEXTS. 



349 



BIOGKAPIIIES OF PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN (DECEASED). 



Buswell, Edward F. 
Chase, J. Clinton . 
Cowdrey, George A. 
Curtis, Jesse . 
Dii<e, Hon. Geo. W. 
Dorr, John F. 
Farrier, Amasa 
Gerry, Ira 

Gould, Capt. James H. 
Gove, Luke . 



127 Hill, Luther . 

121 Leeds, Joseph 

127 .Messer, David H. . 

125 Richardson, Willie H. 

138 Stevens, Dr. William F. 

140 .Stevens, Dr. Winthrop F. 

115 -Sweetser, Brown 

1 10 Whitcher, Hazen . 

136 Whittier, Edward T. 

120 



Page 
114 

120 
123 
'36 
I I I 

134 

344 



BIOGRAPHIES OF PRO.MINENT MEN (LIVING). 









P.\GE 


Arnold, A. W. 


• 341 


Dike. Lyman . 


. 214 


Bartlett, \V. A. 


. 205 


Dodge, Orin A. 


342 


Benton, Leonard P. 


T - 


Drew. Charles H. . 


^53 


Berry, John F. 


• -34 


Duncklee, Edward P. 


. 261 


Best, John 


• 304 


Farnham, William H. 


274 


Bowser. Richard L. 


223 


Ferren, Myron J. . 


247 


Boyce, Charles AL . 


. 29S 


Finnegan, Stephen P. 


. 2S4 


Boyce, Robert H. . 


. 298 


FitzGerald, Michael H. . 


328 


Brown, Charles H. 


. 269 


Fletcher, William P. 


306 


Buck, Charles 


294 


French, Henry H. 


272 


Bucknam, Dexter . 


3^3 


Fuller, William G. 


195 


Bucknam, Geo. 0. 


291 


Gilmore, Hon. Onslow . 


207 


Burtt, Thomas F. . 


330 


Gordon, William F. 


206 


Butterfield, George F. 


• 244 


Hay, Hamilton 


287 


Carlin, Chanes B. . 


290 


Helah, Dr. C. E. . 


• 279 


Chamberlin, S. W. 


295 


Hersam, Harry E. . 


290 


Chamberlin, W. 0. 


256 


tlili, Amos 


. 241 


Chauncey, Samuel G. 


292 


Hill, Sidney A. . 


213 


Child, W. Ward . 


254 


Hinkley, Charles H. 


2S4 


Clark, W. E. . . . 


22S 


Flolden, A. A. 


231 


Cogan, Patrick 


266 


Holden, G. H. 


230 


Copeland, Hubbard 


221 


Holdsworth, W. C. 


330 


Cowdrey, Dr. A. H. 


217 


Home, Charles E. . 


316 


Cowdrey, George . 


193 


Houghton, W. W. 


276 


Cowdrey, William F. 


^73 


Hovey, Albert S. . 


2S9 


Currier, Charles 0. 


227 


Howe, H. P. 


238 


Dean, Silas . . . . 


193. 


Hurd, William 


198 



35° 



INDEX TO CONTEXTS. 



Je ikiiis, F. B. 
Jones, Chester F. . 
Jones, Thomas H. . 
Keene, Walter S. . 
Kelly, William 
LaClair. John A. 
MacDonald, James W. 
Marston, Col. O. H. 
Melvin, Charles B. 
Melvin, C. B. Jr.. (Prof 
Murphy, James H. . 
Nash, William C. . 
Newton, Rix L. 
Nickerson, Fred E. 
Nickerson, Dr. Geo. W. 
Nowell, Albion J. . 
Noyes, John M. 
Patch, Prot. Edgar L. . 
Peabody, Dr. D. D. 
Prescott, LenntEus C. 
Rice, Arthur W. . 
Richardson, B. F. . 
Robertson, Charles S. 
Rolfe, Timothy E. . 



209 
27S 
320 
251 
243 



-J3 

26S 



Queen) 303 

292 

• 326 



Sanborn, Edwird F. 

Sanborn, Jason B. . 

Saurin. Edward F. . 

Small, John C. C. . 

Smith, Henry A. 
344 Spencer, John W. . 
314 Sprague, William H. 

Stevens, William B. Esq, 

Stockwell, J. Alden, Esq 

Sturtevant, Geo. E. 

Sweetser, Francis K., Esq 

Symmes, Thomas R. 
275 Tenney, Dr. Albert W 
220 Theobald, Joseph . 
224 Tidd, William 
334 \'inton, Edwin A. . 
311 Wall, Richard D. . 
299 Weed, William H. 
327 Whitcher, James E. 



• 312 

■ 316 
201 
260 
240 

ILLUSTRATIONS 



White, Emory B. . 
Whittier, Francis L. 
Whittier, Willie E. 
Yeaton, A. B. 



227 

213 

262 

276 

319 
232 

264 
318 

344 
302 

342 
203 
^37 
307 
209 
294 
2S6 

317 
257 
279 
2S0 
325 



View of West Side of Main Street . . . . -13 

View of East Side of Main Street . . . . .16 

View from Independent Cupola, looking Northeastward . . 20 

Franklin Street, showing T. H. Jones' shoe factory . . -24 

Residence of Charles Buck, Pleasant Street . . . .28 

"Gilt Edge" Boarding House, Main Street, T. E. Rolfe, proprietor, . 31 

View from Independent Cupola, looking Westward . . -3^ 

Central Square, looking down Central Street . . . .40 

Residence of Walter S. Keene, High Street . . . -44 

Sanborn & Mann's Shoe Factory, Main Street . . . -52 

View of Lindenwood Cemetery, near the entrance . . -56 

Soldiers' Monument, Lindenwood Cemetery . . . .60 

View from Independent Cupola, looking South. . . .68 

The Lynde Homestead, built previous to 1730 . . . • 7~ 

The Old Parsonage, built 1747 . . • • ■ 7^ 

Post Office Building of 1 861, (site of present Whittier Block) . . 100 



INDEX TO COXTE.NTS. 



351 



Congregational Churcli. 

Methodist Episcopal Cluirch 

Unitarian Church, .... 

St. Patrick's Church, .... 

High School Piuiiding .... 

Town Hall ..... 

The Almshouse .... 

First C_\linder Printing Press used in Stoneham, at the 

1873 . • 

The Independent Newspaper and Book Press . 
"Col. Goukr' Engine House 

New Steam Fire Engine, "Col. Gould," purchased 189 
The E. L. Patch Co. Laboratory 
Residence of William G. Fuller 
Residence of Dr. A. H. Cowdrey 
\V. E. Clark's Department Store 
H. P. Howe's Domestic Bakery 
Residence of Representative M. J. Ferren 
Mountainside Summer House . 
E. F. Saurin's Buildings 
Residence ot Charles H. Brown 
Whittier Building .... 

The Hinkley House .... 
Hamilton Hay's Shoe Factory . 
A. S. Hovey's Residence and Store 
Residence ot Prof. E. L. Patch 
Residence of William Tidd 
Odd Fellows' Building .... 
Baptist Church, about to be erected on Main Street 



'\niateu 



Office, 



146 
148 

'49 
'51 
153 
156 
168 

171 

173 
179 
181 
187 
197 
219 
229 

239 

249 

261 

263. 

271 

283 

285 

288 

289 

301 

309 

347 



PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT MEN, (DECEASED.) 



Buswell, Edward F. 
Chase, J. Clinton, . 
Cowdrey, Geo. A. . 
Curtis, Jesse . 
Dike, Hon. Geo. W. 
Dike, Capt. John H. 
Dorr, John F. 
Farrier, Amasa 
Farrier, John . 
/Gerry, Ira 



opp. 



129 Ciould, Capt. James H. . 
122 Gould, Col. J. Parker . 
128 Heath, Surgeon Wm. H. 
126 Hill, John . 
139 ♦^Hill, Luther . 
83 Lynde, Lieut. L. F. 
141 Messer, David H. . 

Richardson, Willie H. . 

Stevens, Darius 

Stevens, Rev. John H. . 



116 
117 

108 



opi. 



Page 

135 

86 

106 

96 

113 

83 

124 

137 
119 

103 



INDEX TO CONTEXTS. 



" Stevens. Dr. \Vm. F. 
Stevens, Dr. Winthrop F. 



Sweetser, Brown 


345 


W'hitcher, Hazen . 


333 


PORTRAITS OF 


PRO.MIX 


Bartlett, W. A. 


205 


Benton, Leonard P. 


225 


Berry, John F. 


^34 


Best, John 


3°S 


Bowser, Richard L. 


223 


Brown, Charles H. 


270 


Bucknam, Dexter . 


324 


Burtl. Thomas F. . 


331 


Butterfield, George F. 


245 


Chamberlin, S. W. 


296 


Child, W. Ward . 


255 


Clark, W. E. 


228 


Cogan, Patrick 


267 


Copeland, Hubbard 


222 


Cowdrey, Dr. A. H. 


218 


Cowdrey, George . 


194 


Cowdrey, Wm. F. . 


273 


Dean, Silas . 


7 


Dike, Lyman . 


214 


Dodge, Orin A. 


343 


Engineers of Fire Department 


343 


Ferren, Myron ]■ ■ 


248 


French, Henry H. . 


272 


Fuller, William G. 


196 


Gilmcre, Hon. Onslow . 


20S 


Hill, Amos . . . . 


242 


Holden, A. A. 


231 


Holden, Geo. H. . 


230 


Houghton, Wm. W. 


277 


Hurd, William 


199 


Jenkins, Franklin B. 


. 210 


Jones, Thomas H. 


322 



OPP- 33 Whittier, Charles A. 
133 Whittier, Edward T. 
Whittier, Leonard S. 



ENT MEN, (LIVING.) 

Keene, Walter S. . 
Kelly. William 
LaClair, John A. . 
MacDonald, James W. 
ALarston, Col. O. H. 
.Melvin, Charles B. . 
Melvin, C. B., Jr. (Prof. Ouee 
Nash, William C. . 
Newton, Rix L. 
Nickerson, Fred E. 
Nickerson, Dr. George W 
Nowell, Albion J. . 
Patch, Prof. Edgar L. 
Police, Regular 
Prescott, Lennaeus C. 
Richardson, B. F. . 
Robertson, Charles S. 
Rolfe, Timothy E. . 
Sanborn, Jason B. . 
Small, John C. C. . 
Smith, Henry A. 
Spencer, John W. . 
Sprague, William H. 
Stevens, Wm. B., Esq. 
Sturtevant, Geo. E. 
Sweetser, Francis K., Esq. 
Teuney, Dr. Albert W. 
Tidd, William 
Whitcher, James E. 
Whittier, Francis L. 
Whittier, Willie E. 



90 

131 
90 



Page 

252 
243 

343 
314 
236 
269 

n) 304 
326 
277 
221 
224 

334 
300 

277 
313 
202 
260 
240 
212 
277 
258 
321 

233 

265 

343 

302 
204 
308 

3U 
280 
281 



.£b V, li»U2 



